Merkur Group has officially re-entered the U.S. gaming market by completing its acquisition of Las Vegas-based Gaming Arts on September 15, 2025. The German gaming company now adds Gaming Arts’ slot machines, bingo, keno, and electronic table games to its global portfolio, expanding its reach across the United States.
The two firms had previously partnered in 2023, laying the groundwork for Merkur’s re-expansion into North America. With the acquisition finalized, Merkur gains immediate access to the tightly regulated U.S. market, one of the most competitive in the world.
“With Gaming Arts, we are now able to place Merkur products directly in a wide range of U.S. jurisdictions,” said Dominik Raasch, Management Board member at Merkur. “This marks an important step in expanding our international growth beyond European borders.”
Nevada License and Strategic Comeback
The acquisition follows Merkur’s approval by the Nevada Gaming Commission, which granted the company a license to manufacture and distribute gaming products in the state. The commission also gave the green light for the Gaming Arts purchase, cementing Merkur’s first move into the U.S. market since it exited in the early 2000s.
“This moment serves to highlight and underscore the Merkur Group’s legally compliant and forward-looking approach in all areas without exception,” said Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of Merkur’s Supervisory Board.
Gaming Arts CEO Robert Ziems said the acquisition would supercharge the company’s innovation efforts: “With Merkur’s global reach and resources behind us, we are positioned to deliver bold innovation and world-class execution like never before.”
Blending Global Scale with Local Expertise
Gaming Arts brings with it a team of 68 and licensing in more than 155 jurisdictions, along with a well-established portfolio tailored specifically for the U.S. market. The deal allows Merkur to integrate its cabinets with Gaming Arts’ content, including recent releases like the Mod Ex cabinet family.
Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of Merkur’s Management Board, emphasized the collaboration’s importance in navigating the U.S. market: “The close and constructive partnership with Gaming Arts LLC 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, added: “We congratulate Merkur for achieving this outstanding milestone and we welcome them to the state of Nevada.”
Global Growth Strategy Amid Domestic Pressures
Merkur’s renewed focus on international markets comes as Germany’s regulatory climate grows more restrictive. The company has already expanded in other regions, including a recent casino acquisition in the UK, and sees North America as key to accelerating its global momentum.
“Business conditions in our home market, Germany, have become increasingly challenging due to tightening regulatory frameworks,” Felderhoff said. “Nevertheless, we remain confident in the long-term prospects of the German gaming market.”
As the U.S. gaming sector attracts increased global interest—evidenced by companies like Kambi entering Nevada – Merkur’s combination of international experience and Gaming Arts’ local presence puts it in a strong position for sustained growth.
Source:
“Merkur Gaming acquires Gaming Arts, set for US re-entry”, de.linkedin.com, September 24, 2025
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