Evolution considers AI virtual-dealer games as a live-casino complement

Evolution is assessing the development of games with virtual dealers based on artificial intelligence, a format that could sit alongside its existing live-casino offering. Chief executive Martin Carlesund confirmed the review during the company's third-quarter 2026 results conference call, according to the company. Evolution has not announced a specific product or a launch date.

Carlesund said an AI-based dealer is a possibility the company is examining, describing it as similar to a live game based on a random number generator and a complementary product. He said he does not believe it will replace live casino, as some suggest, but that the company is also evaluating that possibility. The proposal concerns games in which the dealer is reproduced digitally through AI technologies rather than being physically present at a table streamed live.

According to the approach set out by the chief executive, this type of product could widen the entertainment options available to operators while remaining distinct from traditional live games. The topic is drawing attention in the online gambling industry, including from companies specialising in virtual dealers such as Avanti Studios and Sentient Studios, which have identified blackjack as one of the first products through which to test AI in table games.

Carlesund said Evolution is working intensively with artificial intelligence across the group, assessing where the technology can deliver significant progress and which functions can be replaced. He said he has argued for years that AI should be introduced into the company's activities, that it is necessary to identify where it can bring benefits and drive efficiency, and that the company is satisfied with the progress made.

The comments came as Evolution's RNG offering, which includes games based on random number generators and online slots, grew. In Q3 2026 the segment's revenue rose 10.1% year on year, against 2.6% in live casino. The RNG growth forms part of a reorganisation the group has begun to strengthen operational autonomy and product development, under the supervision of NoLimit City founder Jonas Tegman.

In September Evolution announced Spinning Whale, a new slots brand aimed at the North American market. The first title is expected in November 2026, with further games to be developed during 2027. Asked on the call about the characteristics of the future Spinning Whale offering, including whether it would lean towards low-volatility games inspired by land-based casino slots or use intellectual property from the land-based sector, Carlesund declined to give details and said only that the content would be developed specifically for the North American audience.

Evolution closed the third quarter with net revenue of €526.1m, up 3.7% year on year, and adjusted EBITDA of €345.9m, a margin of 65.8%. Any introduction of virtual dealers would be a further step in the group's technology diversification strategy, which continues to invest in both live casino and RNG products.