The Merkur Group is celebrating an outstanding performance at this year’s leading industry trade show, ICE in Barcelona. The company received no fewer than three internationally recognised industry awards. In addition to two accolades at the European Casino Awards, the globally active gaming specialist from East Westphalia also accepted an ICE StandOut Award.
The European Casino Awards have been one of the most important award ceremonies in the European gaming industry for many years, recognising outstanding achievements in various categories.
At this year’s gala evening at the Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel, Merkur Spielbanken was honoured as Best Multiple Casino Operator. The jury praised the subsidiary’s innovative operating concept, which combines a comprehensive mix of state-of-the-art slot gaming machines and games with a modern offering of table games and versatile gastronomy, complemented by exceptional entertainment.
Furthermore, the Merkur Group received the Corporate Community Engagement Award. This award honours companies that take responsibility far beyond their core business and actively contribute to social cohesion. Since the founding of the Merkur Group, this commitment has been embedded in the company culture and is a matter close to the hearts of both the founding family and the employees.
The Merkur Group was also presented with an additional prize. The newly established ICE StandOut Awards 2026 recognise exhibitors for their special contribution to the overall trade show experience.
In the category Best Onsite Marketing Activation, Clarion Gaming chose Merkur Gaming for its creative of Merkur World. With innovative products, vibrant colours on large-scale LED walls and varied entertainment programme – including interactive live magic, dynamic cheerleader performances and atmospheric DJ sets – the booth repeatedly captivated visitors.
Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Management Board of the Merkur Group, expressed his enthusiasm: “ICE 2026 was a resounding success for us, not only because of the overwhelming feedback from our customers. Receiving three awards recognises the dedication, passion and commitment we put into our work every single day.
“These prizes motivate us to continue setting industry standards and to pursue our successful path. My special thanks go to all my colleagues, whose tireless efforts made this success possible.”
Photo 1: Dragoljub Grekulovic (centre), Head of Competence Center EMEA at JCM Global, congratulates Mario Hoffmeister (left), Director of Communications at Merkur Group and David Schnabel on the Corporate Community Engagement Award. Photo: David Grau Llinares
Photo 2: David Schnabel (left), Management Board Member for Merkur Casinos at Merkur.com AG, receives the award for Merkur Spielbanken in the Best Multiple Casino Operator category. Photo: David Grau Llinares
Photo 3: Juliane Engelking, Head of Marketing & Customer Experience at adp Merkur and Jan Schürmeyer, Senior Manager to the Board at adp Merkur, celebrate with the Merkur cheerleaders on receiving the ICE StandOut Award in the category Best Onsite Marketing Activation. Photo: Merkur Group
