The WorldGaming team mourns the loss of Paul Gauselmann, the founder of the Merkur Group, who made significant contributions to the global gaming industry. His enduring support for the International Casino Exhibition (ICE) helped facilitate its transition from London to Barcelona in 2025.
Gauselmann exemplified entrepreneurship, creativity, vision, and empathy throughout his career. He transformed a sole proprietorship into an international conglomerate that employs over 15,000 staff and generates more than €2 billion in revenue. He leaves behind a legacy as a catalyst for positive change and a person known for his kindness.
A strong advocate for social responsibility, Gauselmann contributed to various initiatives in social welfare, culture, sports, and health. In recognition of his philanthropic efforts, he was honored with honorary citizenship in Espelkamp and Lübbecke in 2004. The year prior, he received the Federal Cross of Merit, First Class, from Germany's then-president.
For over 38 years, Gauselmann played a pivotal role in shaping the gaming industry, including a 28-year tenure as chairman of the Association of the German Vending Machine Industry (Verband der Deutschen Automatenindustrie e.V.), where he significantly influenced its growth into an important economic sector.
His impact on the global gaming community was profound, and he was a familiar figure at every ICE event. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and the entire Merkur Group community.
