Merkur Gaming US, the American subsidiary of Germany-based Merkur Group, has officially received a license from the Nevada Gaming Commission to manufacture and distribute gaming products within the state. This development marks Merkur's return to the U.S. market, one of the most competitive and tightly regulated gaming markets in the world.
Coinciding with the licensing approval, the Commission has also greenlit Merkur's acquisition of Gaming Arts LLC, a Las Vegas-based and Nevada-licensed gaming operator. The transaction is expected to be finalized in early Q3 2025, representing a key milestone in Merkur's international expansion strategy.
Return to the U.S. Market after Over Two Decades
Merkur's reentry into Nevada comes more than 20 years after its initial foray into the U.S. gaming industry in 1998. The company exited the market in the early 2000s, and this return signals a strategic recalibration amid Merkur's increased emphasis on international growth.
Reflecting on the achievement, Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Merkur Group, remarked:
"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."
Nevada regulators welcomed Merkur's return warmly, even expressing, "Welcome back to the industry," in acknowledgment of the company's prior involvement in the U.S. market and their renewed commitment.
Strategic Acquisition to Strengthen Market Position
The acquisition of Gaming Arts LLC, licensed in more than 155 jurisdictions, is a central pillar of Merkur's U.S. comeback. The two companies have maintained a close strategic partnership, which has facilitated a smoother licensing process and a more efficient entry into the North American market.
Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Management Board at Merkur Group, highlighted the significance of the collaboration:
"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. We are deeply grateful for the excellent cooperation."
David Colvin, owner of Gaming Arts, echoed this sentiment, stating:
"We congratulate Merkur for achieving this outstanding milestone and we welcome them to the state of Nevada."
Responding to Regulatory Shifts at Home
Merkur's renewed push into the U.S. aligns with the company's response to growing regulatory pressures in its home country. As Felderhoff explained:
"Business conditions in our home market, Germany, have become increasingly challenging due to tightening regulatory frameworks. Nevertheless, together with the entire industry, we remain confident in the long-term prospects of the German gaming market."
With established operations in Europe and South America, Merkur's return to North America is expected to further accelerate its global momentum.
"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," Felderhoff added.
Merkur's expansion reflects a broader trend among European gaming companies targeting Nevada's dynamic market. Firms like Kambi have similarly increased their presence, underscoring the state's appeal as a strategic hub for global gaming growth.
About the Merkur Group
Headquartered in Espelkamp and Lübbecke in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, the Merkur Group is a family-owned, internationally active organization within the entertainment and leisure industry. With a history spanning nearly seven decades, the Group specializes in the development, production, and distribution of cutting-edge gaming machines, innovative gaming solutions, and advanced system technologies, including cash handling systems.
The Merkur Group also manages a broad portfolio of gaming arcades and casinos, both on land and aboard cruise ships, and has a strong presence in sports betting and online gaming. In 2023, the Group reported consolidated annual revenues of approximately EUR 3.9 billion and employed nearly 15,000 people worldwide.
About Gaming Arts
Gaming Arts, LLC is a privately held, award-winning provider of comprehensive gaming technology solutions. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, the company designs and supplies electronic gaming machines, electronic table games, bingo, keno, and other emerging gaming technologies. Gaming Arts holds licenses in over 155 jurisdictions, reflecting its broad industry reach and regulatory compliance.
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Source:
https://merkur-gaming.com/news/2025-05-23-merkur-group-granted-a-manufactures-and-distributors-license-in-the-state-of-nevada.html#
