David Colvin
Merkur Enters into a Strategic Agreement with Gaming Arts

Merkur, a major European games developer, headquartered in Germany, has entered into an agreement for a strategic cooperation with Las Vegas-based Gaming Arts LLC. This cooperation sets out to encompass the joint development and supply of games for North American casinos, subject to all necessary regulatory approvals. Through this cooperation, Merkur signals its intention to become a direct supplier in North America.
Merkur’s strategic cooperation with Gaming Arts represents an exciting moment for both companies. The transaction strategically capitalizes on the collaboration and joint development of Merkur, with its stature, capabilities and reach as an established gaming supplier and Gaming Arts, an emerging gaming technology provider.
This strategic cooperation aligns with Merkur’s overarching vision of enhancing the player experience and expanding its global presence into the North America marketplace.
“We are excited about the immense potential that this cooperation with Gaming Arts brings to Merkur in our efforts to expand into North America. Gaming Arts’ rapid growth and innovation in the gaming supplier space have created an outstanding platform for growth in this crucial global market. We look forward to having Gaming Arts’ CEO Mike Dreitzer lead this team in close cooperation with Merkur going forward,” said Juergen Stuehmeyer, Board Member of Merkur’s parent company Gauselmann AG.
“We believe this partnership is a pivotal moment in Gaming Arts’ journey. Merkur’s global reach and reputation for excellence align perfectly with our aspirations for growth and innovation. Together, we are poised to deliver exceptional gaming experiences to players in North America,” David Colvin, Owner of Gaming Arts LLC, said.
Compliance Updates
Merkur Group Granted a Manufactures and Distributors License in the State of Nevada

Merkur Gaming US, a subsidiary of the German-based Merkur Group, has been granted a license to manufacture and distribute its gaming products in the state of Nevada – thereby gaining access to one of the leading casino markets in the US.
In addition, the Nevada Gaming Commission has approved Merkur’s acquisition of Gaming Arts LLC, a licensed Nevada-based gaming operator headquartered in Las Vegas and a trusted strategic partner of the German gaming specialist. It is anticipated that the transaction will close in early Q3 2025.
“This license represents a key strategic lever for expanding our international business and lay the foundation for a stable and successful long-term future for the entire Group,” said Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Management Board of the Merkur Group.
Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Merkur Group, said: “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.”
With the words “Welcome back to the industry,” the Nevada Gaming Commission sent off the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board – wishing them a successful future.
In addition to obtaining the license, the approval for the acquisition of Gaming Arts LLC represents another pivotal key element for the Merkur Group in officially re-entering the North American market as a certified manufacturer. The two companies have enjoyed a trusted strategic partnership that has already yielded mutually beneficial synergies. After thorough preparation, this collaboration will soon culminate in the acquisition by the Merkur Group.
“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,” Felderhoff said.
Applying for the Nevada license was a logical step in the Merkur Group’s intensified international expansion strategy.
“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,” Felderhoff said.
“Our many years of experience and our sustained success provide a solid foundation for intensifying our focus on international gaming markets and establishing the Merkur brand abroad.
“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 concluded.
David Colvin, owner of Gaming Arts LLC, said: “We congratulate Merkur for achieving this outstanding milestone and we welcome them to the state of Nevada.”
The post Merkur Group Granted a Manufactures and Distributors License in the State of Nevada appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
bingo
Gaming Arts Promotes Jean Venneman to COO and Mike Smykowski to Sales Director
Gaming Arts LLC, an end-to-end gaming technology provider of electronic gaming machines, bingo, keno, and interactive casino-wide promotional systems, has announced some key personnel changes.
Effective immediately, Jean Venneman, the Company’s current Chief Commercial Officer, has been promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer.
“Over the last three and a half years, Jean has played a critical role in the growth of the Company. This appointment reflects what has been a natural expansion of responsibility for her within our organization. I look forward to continuing to work with Jean alongside David Colvin, Gaming Arts owner and founder, as well as the rest of the executive team as we collectively work to help lead the Company to the next level,” Mike Dreitzer, CEO of Gaming Arts, said.
“I am appreciative of the continued faith that David and Mike have placed in me. The future of Gaming Arts has certainly never been brighter. We have come so far in such a short amount of time and still have great opportunity in front of us,” Venneman said.
In another key appointment, Mike Smykowski has been named Director of Sales. Mike comes to Gaming Arts after a decade-long successful tenure in Gaming sales at Ainsworth Game Technology.
“I have long admired Mike Smykowski as an award-winning gaming sales professional and strategic thinker. We are delighted to have him join us at this time. Mike’s a great fit for us. He will add tremendous leadership to our already solid sales team,” Dreitzer said.
“I am so happy and honored to be joining Gaming Arts at this pivotal time in their history. I look forward to working with the team to achieve our sales goals in an accelerated manner,” Smykowski said.
Smykowski’s appointment is effective October 11, 2021 and subject to any regulatory approvals that may be deemed necessary by applicable jurisdictions.
“These moves are extremely important to position ourselves for continued expansion and growth as a company. We congratulate Jean and welcome Mike to the team,” Colvin said.
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