From a start installing coin-operated machines in Germany just over half a century ago, the Gauselmann Group has grown into a global player in the gaming market with annual revenues of more than €1 billion. Subsidiary Merkur-Spielothek/Merkur Casino equips and operates entertainment centres throughout Europe, with over 200 in Germany. Earlier this month the Gauselmann subsidiary Atronic completed its acquisition by GTECH Corporation, itself a wholly owned subsidiary of Lottomatica S.p.A.

The Merkur sun symbol now shines in Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia and Spain. The company this year has opened six new Merkur Casino entertainment centres in Europe and this month two more in Slovakia under the Merkur Spielo name. Merkur first opened in Slovakia in 2006 and the new operations in Zilina and Skalica bring the number of venues to six.

Games Unlimited, developed especially for the Slovak market by the company’s Merkur Gaming division, is particularly popular, as is the long time favourite multi-player Merkur Roulette. Merkur Gaming, established in 2006 to undertake all international development and sales activities for the Gauselmann Group, develops many country-specific gaming machines. Innovative products, the highest quality with ISO certification, as well as the credo of absolute customer orientation further strengthen the features of the international activities.

Another important new business activity for Gauselmann is the sports betting business. Recently the company has become active in the privatized Italian sports betting market. Subsidiary Merkur Interactive obtained licenses for 76 betting offices and 157 sales outlets in Northern Italy and a licence for Internet-based gaming in all of Italy. All sports betting and Internet gaming activities are operated by the company’s ‘merkur-win’ division. (E-05.29.08)

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