The gambling industry is mourning the loss of Paul Gauselmann, founder of the Merkur Group, who passed away on Friday at the age of 91. Gauselmann, a German native born in 1934, established his first gaming arcade in 1974. Over the years, he expanded Merkur Group into a significant player in the market, with a workforce exceeding 15,000 employees by the time of his death.
Throughout his 67 years of leadership, Gauselmann oversaw the growth of the company, which now boasts a total turnover of around €2.1 billion ($2.45 billion). Even after stepping down as chairman in 2024, he remained actively involved in the business, frequently visiting the office to monitor daily operations.
In a heartfelt tribute, Merkur Group referred to Gauselmann as a “courageous fighter with grand visions.” The company expressed, “For everyone who knew Paul Gauselmann, the loss of him is still too much to take in. Yet, as he would have wanted, our gaze is fixed on the Merkur sun. The Merkur Group, together with its staff members, pays its respects to an extraordinary individual, with humility and deep gratitude.”
Stuart Hunter, Managing Director of WorldGaming, praised Gauselmann’s enduring impact on the industry. “The WorldGaming team was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Gauselmann, founder of the Merkur Group and an inspirational personality who made a profound contribution to the development of the international industry,” Hunter said. He also noted Gauselmann's role in facilitating the relocation of ICE in 2025 from London to Barcelona, emphasizing his embodiment of the essential entrepreneurial qualities of drive, creativity, vision, and empathy.
IGT remarked on LinkedIn that Gauselmann’s contributions to global gaming were "immense," highlighting his pioneering spirit and dedication to the evolution of the industry as making a lasting impression on all who worked with him.
In remembrance, a memorial has been established at the statue of Paul Gauselmann in the courtyard of Benkhausen Castle, which serves as the training center for Merkur Group. Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of Merkur Group, also shared his condolences, expressing gratitude for the “many personal encounters, shared successes, inspiring conversations, and valuable experiences” he enjoyed with Gauselmann. He concluded, “I will carry them with me, just as I will always remember the remarkable person behind this extraordinary legacy.”
