Merkur Group Agrees Acquisition of White Hat Studios

15th July 2026 – Merkur Group has agreed to acquire U.S.-based slots provider White Hat Studios, marking another significant step in the international gaming company’s expansion across the regulated U.S. iGaming market.

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The acquisition will see White Hat Studios become part of the Merkur Group, with the company set to benefit from Merkur’s expertise and resources as it continues to develop its slot portfolio and expand its omni-channel offering.

The transaction follows Merkur’s recent acquisition of Gaming Arts, the Nevada-licensed game and machine supplier, further strengthening the group’s position in the United States. By combining online-first products with omni-channel gaming solutions, the expanded group aims to support the continued growth of its operator partners.

White Hat Studios Builds on Rapid U.S. Growth

Founded in 2021, White Hat Studios has established itself as one of the leading content providers in the U.S. iGaming sector. The company became the first supplier to launch online slot games across all seven regulated U.S. states.

Its portfolio includes the growing House of Brands slot collection, the 7s Fire Blitz™ game series and the Jackpot Royale™ progressive jackpot network.

The acquisition is expected to further strengthen White Hat Studios’ ability to innovate while expanding its reach within regulated markets.

Andy Whitworth, President of White Hat Studios, said:

“Joining Merkur Group is an exciting moment for everyone associated with White Hat Studios and, fundamentally, it is the best possible move to realise our ambitions for future growth and product innovation. Working alongside the hugely experienced Merkur team will open new possibilities for us across iGaming and enhance our ability to develop a world-class omni-channel proposition that will benefit both operators and players.”

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Merkur Continues Strategic U.S. Expansion

For Merkur Group, the acquisition represents another milestone in its long-term strategy to grow its presence in regulated online gaming markets. The addition of White Hat Studios complements the company’s existing operations while broadening its portfolio of digital gaming products.

Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Merkur Management Board, commented:

“White Hat Studios has delivered impressive growth since its launch. We look forward to working with the team to continue the U.S. success story and, in turn, Merkur’s expansion in regulated iGaming.”

Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of the Merkur Supervisory Board, added:

“Having made early inroads into the online space in Europe via our Blueprint acquisition in 2012, I am delighted by this latest development and am confident that White Hat Studios will be a great addition to our group.”

The agreed acquisition remains subject to regulatory approvals.

The White Hat Gaming platform and white label businesses are not included in the transaction and will continue to operate under their existing ownership.

White Hat Studios was advised by Oakvale Capital, with CMS acting as legal advisor for White Hat Studios and Wiggin advising Merkur.

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