Nevada Gaming Commission Approves Merkur Acquisition of Vegas-Based Gaming Arts
Merkur, a European gaming firm, has received the green light from the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) to proceed with its acquisition of Gaming Arts, a Las Vegas-based company. The approval came following a 70-minute meeting held Thursday, during which the NGC also granted individual licenses to several Merkur executives, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to grow its presence in the North American gaming sector.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Those who obtained regulatory approval include Michael Gauselmann, who chairs the board; Jurgen Stuhmeyer and Manfred Stoffers, both directors; Lars Felderhoff, holding the dual roles of CEO and CFO; and Jochen Clemens, who will take on a leadership position. Nevada’s rigorous licensing standards necessitate thorough background checks and personal vetting of executives involved in gaming business transactions.
Related: Lowestoft Bingo Club Changes hands as Merkur Completes SaleThe acquisition follows a strategic alliance first revealed in 2023 between Merkur and Gaming Arts. The partnership aimed to co-create and distribute gaming products tailored for the North American market. Merkur emphasized Gaming Arts’s strong growth and innovation, portraying the U.S.-based company as a solid foundation for future global initiatives shared by both businesses.
Gaming Arts offers a diverse range of gaming technology, including slots, electronic table games, bingo systems, and keno, along with emerging gaming platforms. The firm is licensed in roughly 170 jurisdictions, making it an attractive addition for any company seeking to expand internationally and scale its market reach.
As part of the transition, Gaming Arts CEO Mike Dreitzer will step down from his current position. Dreitzer is slated to become the next chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board in June, following the departure of Kirk Hendrick. Despite the change in leadership, the existing staff of 66 employees will remain in place to maintain operational stability and continuity.
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Clean and Simple Transition
The financial terms of the deal include a structure centered on forgiving existing debts and providing a loan guarantee to Gaming Arts, alongside a modest purchase price. This arrangement is designed to streamline the ownership transfer while resolving outstanding financial obligations.
Merkur is part of the Gauselmann Group, a long-established German family business involved in the entertainment and gaming sectors. With over six decades of experience, the group has been engaged in the creation and distribution of gaming machines, system solutions, and currency-handling technology. Its portfolio includes the Merkur Casino arcades, Merkur Spielbanken casinos, and gaming operations aboard cruise ships.
Beyond its land-based operations, the Gauselmann Group has expanded into digital entertainment, including sports wagering and online casino gaming. Merkur acts as the group’s B2B division, overseeing the development, production, and worldwide sales of gaming systems, along with the creation and marketing of online gaming content. The acquisition of Gaming Arts will significantly enhance Merkur’s ability to execute its B2B strategy within the U.S. market.
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