Merkur Gaming US, a division of Germany’s Merkur Group, has successfully secured a licence to manufacture and distribute gaming products in Nevada, a pivotal step into one of the foremost casino markets in the US.
Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Management Board of Merkur Group, noted the significance of this development, saying: “This licence represents a key strategic lever for expanding our international business and lay the foundation for a stable and successful long-term future for the entire Group.”
Merkur Group is not unfamiliar with the US market; it first obtained a Nevada licence in 1998 but exited in the early 2000s. Now, with its brand Merkur Gaming, the group has regained approval from Nevada regulators, marking a return to the market as a seasoned player.
Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of the Merkur Group Supervisory Board, is delighted, as it was under his leadership that Merkur was first granted its Nevada license. He noted: “With approval from Nevada, this moment serves to highlight and underscore the Merkur Group’s legally compliant and forward-looking approach in all areas without exception.”
The Nevada Gaming Commission has also approved Merkur’s acquisition of Gaming Arts LLC, with this acquisition is expected to finalise in early Q3 2025. The Nevada Commission’s warm Welcome Back message underscores the positive reception of Merkur’s return.
Gaming Arts acquisition
The acquisition of Gaming Arts is a crucial component in Merkur’s re-entry into the North American market as a certified manufacturer. The company is an award-winning end-to-end gaming equipment technology provider of electronic gaming machines, electronic table games, bingo, keno and emerging technologies. With its business headquartered in Las Vegas, Gaming Arts is licensed in over 155 jurisdictions.
Felderhoff emphasised the partnership’s role in this success: “The close and constructive partnership with Gaming Arts has significantly contributed over the past months to successfully establishing all necessary prerequisites for the licensing as well as the upcoming acquisition.”
David Colvin, owner of Gaming Arts LLC, congratulated Merkur on this milestone, welcoming them to Nevada.
International expansion strategy
As part of Merkur’s broader business plans, Felderhoff also remarked on the challenging conditions in Germany due to stricter regulations, asserting confidence in the long-term prospects of the domestic market while focusing on international growth.
“Our re-entry into the North American casino market will significantly accelerate the international growth of the Merkur Group and place it on an even more solid footing,” he concluded.
Pictured (Left to Right): Jochen Clemens, Managing Director of Merkur Gaming US; Dominik Raasch, Management Board Member, Merkur Division; Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of Merkur Group Management Board; Manfred Stoffers, Vice Chairman of Merkur Group Management Board and Vice Chairman of the Gauselmann Family Foundation Board, Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of the Merkur Group Supervisory Board and Chairman of the Gauselmann Family Foundation Board; and Jürgen Stühmeyer, Merkur Group Supervisory Board Member and Gauselmann Family Foundation Board Member.
