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MERKUR

Operator
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Founded
1957-01-01 in Coesfeld / Espelkamp, Germany
Headquarters
Espelkamp and Lübbecke, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

MERKUR Group, legally Merkur.com AG and formerly Gauselmann Group, is a family-owned European entertainment and gambling conglomerate founded in 1957 by Paul Gauselmann. Headquartered in Espelkamp and Lübbecke, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, the group has grown from a jukebox installation business into a multinational with external sales exceeding €2.7 billion and over 15,000 employees. It operates across more than 20 countries, primarily in Europe, and is known for its iconic laughing sun logo, introduced in 1976. The group’s core activities include manufacturing electronic gaming machines, running over 800 MERKUR Spielothek arcades in Germany, managing land-based casinos, offering online sports betting and casino games under the MERKUR Bet and MERKUR Games brands, and operating UK adult gaming centres through its Praesepe (Cashino) subsidiary. In 2024, founder Paul Gauselmann stepped down from executive management, with Lars Felderhoff assuming the role of Chairman of the Management Board, ensuring continuity through the Gauselmann Family Foundation. The group remains privately held and is a significant player in the regulated gambling industry across multiple jurisdictions.

Detailed Review

History

Founded in 1957 by Paul Gauselmann, the company began by installing imported jukeboxes in pubs and restaurants while Gauselmann worked at Harting, where he headed the vending machine development department. In 1964 he entered full-time self-employment with 15 employees. A pivotal moment came in 1972 when a supplier imposed a supply boycott, prompting Gauselmann to develop his own gaming machines with engineer Friedel Horstmann. In 1974 he opened the first modern amusement arcade in Delmenhorst, Lower Saxony, designed with hotel-like standards – a concept that revolutionised the sector. The first in-house slot machine, the MERKUR B, received regulatory approval in December 1976 and launched commercially in 1977.

Business Model and Products

MERKUR Group’s business model integrates manufacturing, operation, and online distribution. The group manufactures proprietary electronic gaming machines (EGMs) for its own arcades and casinos as well as for third-party clients. Its flagship chain, MERKUR Spielothek, comprises over 800 amusement arcades in Germany offering a controlled, service-oriented gaming environment. Land-based casino operations are conducted under German state concessions, notably the Merkur Casino in Saxony-Anhalt. Online gambling is provided through MERKUR Bet (sports betting) and MERKUR Games (casino content, slots, table games) in regulated markets. In the UK, subsidiary Praesepe operates over 150 adult gaming centres under the Cashino brand. The group also includes a financial services division handling payment processing.

Market Position and Regulatory

MERKUR Group is a dominant force in the German gambling sector and a growing international player. It holds licenses under Germany’s State Treaty on Gambling, the UK Gambling Commission (via Praesepe), and various European licenses. The group competes with other large gambling conglomerates such as Gauselmann’s historic rival Novomatic, as well as international operators like Entain and Flutter Entertainment in online segments. Its vertical integration – from machine manufacturing to venue operation and online platforms – provides cost advantages and control over the customer experience.

Recent Developments

In 2024, founder Paul Gauselmann retired from executive management after more than six decades. The group underwent a generational shift: Lars Felderhoff became Chairman of the Management Board (CEO equivalent), while Michael Gauselmann, Paul’s son, took over as Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Chairman of the Gauselmann Family Foundation. The change was formalised in September 2024. The group continues to expand its online presence and invest in IT and security capabilities, as reflected in its dedicated software development division. In 2025, MERKUR Group reported external revenue of €2.103 billion and a workforce of 15,254 employees.

Key Products

  • MERKUR Slot Machines

    Proprietary electronic gaming machines (EGMs) for arcades and casinos, ranging from classic steppers to modern video slots, developed internally with a focus on responsible gaming features.

  • MERKUR Spielothek

    The group’s flagship arcade chain in Germany, with over 800 locations offering a regulated, service-oriented gaming experience.

  • MERKUR Casino

    Land-based casino operations under German state concession, including table games and EGMs.

  • MERKUR Bet

    Online sports betting platform available in multiple European markets with live betting and pre-match coverage.

  • MERKUR Games

    Digital gambling content division providing online slots, table games, and instant-win games for B2C and B2B supply.

  • Cashino (Praesepe)

    UK-based adult gaming centre brand operating over 150 venues under UKGC license, offering slot machines and bingo.

  • Merkur Operations

    Business unit overseeing arcade and casino operations across multiple jurisdictions.

  • Merkur Financial Services

    Subsidiaries providing payment processing and financial solutions within the group.

Offices & Headcount

15254 employees (approx.)

Key Persons

Notable past members

Exhibition History

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