The gambling industry is mourning the loss of Paul Gauselmann, the founder of the Merkur Group, who died on Friday at the age of 91. Gauselmann, who hailed from Germany and was born in 1934, established his first gaming arcade in 1974, a venture that eventually grew into a major enterprise with over 15,000 employees at the time of his passing.
Over his remarkable 67-year tenure, Gauselmann played a pivotal role in transforming Merkur into a group of companies that has achieved a total turnover of around €2.1 billion ($2.45 billion). Even after stepping down as chairman in 2024, when he passed leadership to his son Michael, Gauselmann remained an active presence at the office, continuing to oversee the company’s daily operations.
In a heartfelt tribute, Merkur Group honored Gauselmann's memory, describing him as a “courageous fighter with grand visions.” The company stated, “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.”
Industry leaders have also expressed their condolences. Stuart Hunter, Managing Director of WorldGaming, recognized Gauselmann's “lasting contribution” to the international gaming landscape. He stated, “The WorldGaming team was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Gauselmann, an inspirational personality who made a profound contribution to the development of the international industry. His long-term support of ICE also helped smooth its 2025 relocation from London to Barcelona.” Hunter emphasized Gauselmann’s embodiment of essential entrepreneurial qualities such as drive, creativity, and empathy.
IGT also paid tribute to Gauselmann’s vast impact, describing his contributions as “immense.” The company highlighted that “Paul’s pioneering spirit, entrepreneurial vision, and dedication to the evolution of gaming have left an enduring mark on our industry and all those who had the opportunity to work alongside him.”
A memorial has been created at the statue of Paul Gauselmann located in the courtyard of Benkhausen Castle, the in-house training center for Merkur Group. Chairman Lars Felderhoff shared his own tribute over the weekend, expressing gratitude for their shared experiences: “I am deeply grateful for the many personal encounters, shared successes, inspiring conversations and valuable experiences I was fortunate enough to share with Paul Gauselmann. I will carry them with me, just as I will always remember the remarkable person behind this extraordinary legacy.”
