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White Hat Studios

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Founded
2021-01-01 in Valletta, Malta
Headquarters
New York, USA

White Hat Studios is a leading US-focused iGaming content supplier that designs and distributes slot games and player engagement tools to regulated online casinos. Founded in 2021 when parent company White Hat Gaming acquired a remote game server, brand, and catalogue from Blueprint Gaming, the studio immediately gained a foothold in the American market with proven European content. Headquartered in New York with additional operations in Valletta, Malta, the privately held company employs between 51 and 200 people. White Hat Studios curates a diverse portfolio comprising its own original titles—such as Big Catch Bass Fishing, 7s Fire Blitz Hotstepper 2, and Maradona Golden Goal—alongside licensed games from Blueprint, Reel Time, Merkur, and Lucksome Studios. The studio has consistently ranked among the top US iGaming suppliers by gross gaming revenue and was named Casino Supplier of the Year in 2026. In 2025 it expanded into land‑based casinos through a partnership with Gaming Arts. The company also offers the Amplify Suite, a comprehensive engagement ecosystem for operator retention and personalization.

Detailed Review

History and Founding

White Hat Studios was launched in 2021 specifically for the US iGaming market. The studio was formed when its parent company, White Hat Gaming, acquired a remote game server, brand rights, and a catalogue of slots from Blueprint Gaming. This acquisition gave White Hat Studios immediate access to proven European content and a technology platform that it then adapted for American players.

Business Model

The company operates a “House of Brands” model, distributing games from multiple developers—Blueprint, Reel Time, Merkur, and Lucksome Studios—alongside its own internally developed titles. Revenue is generated through licensing fees and revenue-sharing agreements with online casino operators. White Hat Studios also provides the Amplify Suite, an all‑in‑one engagement ecosystem that offers CRM, retention, and personalization tools to operators, creating an additional revenue stream.

Products and Platforms

White Hat Studios’ game portfolio includes original titles such as Shimmering Sands™ Jackpot Royale Express™, Bankin’ More Bacon™, and Kong Even Bigger Bananas™, which incorporate proprietary mechanics like the Jackpot Royale Express progressive jackpot system, Cash Collect, and Blitz Collect. Flagship games like Big Catch Bass Fishing and 7s Fire Blitz Hotstepper 2 have driven strong performance. The Amplify Suite is a key non-game product, providing operators with an integrated engagement platform.

Market Position

White Hat Studios has rapidly become a top-tier provider in the US. It consistently ranks in the top three of the Eilers‑Fantini U.S. Online Game Performance Report and was recognized as the number one new US provider at the 7th Annual EKG Slot Awards. In 2026, the company was named Casino Supplier of the Year. Its main competitors include other US-focused slot studios and larger iGaming content aggregators.

Licensing and Regulation

The studio holds licenses in several regulated US states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut. This regulatory footprint enables it to partner with major online casino operators across the country.

Recent Developments

In May 2025, White Hat Studios entered the land‑based casino market through a distribution deal with Gaming Arts, rolling out titles such as Big Catch Bass Fishing onto casino floors. This omnichannel expansion was followed in June 2026 by being named Casino Supplier of the Year. The company has also been reported to be exploring a sale, as per industry news outlets.

Leadership

CEO Andy Whitworth was promoted from Chief Commercial Officer in 2022. The senior management team includes Michael Waterfield (Senior Vice President, Commercial and Corporative Strategy) and Daniel Lechner (Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing). The company remains privately held as a division of White Hat Gaming.

Key Products

  • Maradona Golden Goal

    Football‑themed slot launched for the 2026 World Cup.

  • 7s Fire Blitz Hotstepper 2

    Three‑reel slot with Cash Collect, Fire Blitz Bonus, Hotstepper, Super Strike, and Power Play features.

  • Shimmering Sands Jackpot Royale Express

    Arabian‑themed game with Combo Frenzy, Blitz Collect, Cash Lock, and the Jackpot Royale Express progressive system.

  • Big Catch Bass Fishing

    Fishing‑themed slot that debuted in land‑based casinos via Gaming Arts.

  • Bankin’ More Bacon

    Piggy‑bank themed slot with stacked wilds and bonus rounds.

  • Kong Even Bigger Bananas

    Ape‑themed slot with expanding symbols and the Jackpot Royale Express system.

  • Amplify Suite

    All‑in‑one engagement ecosystem for operators, offering CRM, retention, and personalisation tools.

  • Jackpot Royale Express

    Proprietary progressive jackpot system used across multiple White Hat Studios titles.

Offices & Headcount

125 employees (approx.)

Key Persons

Recent News

  • Merkur Group Acquires White Hat Studios, Excluding Platform and White Label Operations

    Merkur Group Acquires White Hat Studios, Excluding Platform and White Label Operations

    Merkur Group has agreed to acquire White Hat Studios, a US slots supplier founded in 2021, while excluding the White Hat Gaming platform and white label businesses. The deal, which complements Merkur's recent acquisition of Gaming Arts, is subject to regulatory approvals and aims to bolster Merkur's presence in regulated American iGaming.

    2026-07-15

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