2025 was a defining year for the Merkur Group – a year of transformation that has set the tone for the decade ahead
Summary
2025 was a landmark year for the Merkur Group, marked by a major internal restructure, a generational leadership shift and strategic moves that broaden the company’s international reach. Dominik Raasch, Management Board Member of Merkur Games, outlines how the group consolidated R&D, streamlined development and sales, and integrated new capabilities through the acquisition of Gaming Arts and a stake in Spintec. Importantly, Merkur secured a Nevada licence and re-entered the US market — a move that underpins its ambitions for global expansion and technological growth as the company heads into 2026.
Key Points
- Merkur underwent a strategic transformation in 2025 with a new, forward-looking Management Board and Supervisory Board oversight.
- The company integrated R&D and streamlined development and sales within Merkur Games to boost agility and product delivery.
- Merkur completed the Gaming Arts acquisition and took a significant stake in Spintec, adding creative and technological firepower.
- Securing a Nevada licence signalled Merkur’s formal return to the US market and provides a platform for North American growth.
- Industry trends to watch in 2026: richer game mechanics, higher visual/audio quality and growing use of artificial intelligence in development.
- Merkur will showcase a refreshed presence at ICE 2026 and aims to scale sustainably across key markets such as the UK, Spain and Germany.
Why should I read this?
Short version: if you follow suppliers, studio M&A or market moves in gambling and iGaming, this is one to skim. Merkur’s Nevada re-entry and Gaming Arts deal change the competitive map — and Raasch’s interview spells out where the company will push next. It’s quick, relevant and gives a good steer on what to expect from one of Europe’s big suppliers in 2026.
Context and relevance
This piece matters because Merkur’s steps are both structural and strategic. The leadership renewal and internal reorganisation make the group more nimble, while the Gaming Arts acquisition and Spintec stake deliver immediate creative and technical synergies. The Nevada licence is particularly significant: Nevada remains the most influential land-based gaming jurisdiction in the US, offering visibility and access that can accelerate product launches and partnerships. For industry watchers, Merkur’s plans highlight broader sector trends — consolidation, premium content focus, advanced mechanics and the adoption of artificial intelligence in game development.