Industry pays tribute to Paul Gauselmann after Merkur Group founder dies aged 91
The gambling sector has paid tribute to Paul Gauselmann after the Merkur Group founder passed away on Friday at the age of 91.
Gauselmann, born in Germany in 1934, opened his first gaming arcade in 1974. By the time of his death, Merkur Group had an employee base of over 15,000 people.
Gauselmann spent 67 years at the helm of Merkur, helping to shape a group of companies that generates a total turnover of approximately €2.1 billion ($2.45 billion).
Even after he stepped down as Merkur’s chairman in 2024, at which point he handed the reins to his son Michael, Gauselmann continued to visit the office to oversee day-to-day operations.
Merkur Group paid tribute to Gauselmann on Friday, labelling him a “courageous fighter with grand visions”.
Merkur said: “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 pays tribute to ‘pioneer’ Gauselmann
WorldGaming Managing Director Stuart Hunter celebrated the “lasting contribution” made by Gauselmann following his passing.
“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. “His long-term support of ICE also helped smooth its 2025 relocation from London to Barcelona.
“Paul epitomised the qualities of entrepreneurship, drive, creativity, vision and empathy that underpin this industry.”
In a post on LinkedIn, IGT described Gauselmann’s contributions to the global gaming industry as “immense”.
“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,” IGT said.
A memorial has been set up at the Paul Gauselmann statue in the courtyard of Benkhausen Castle, which serves as the in-house training centre for Merkur Group.
Merkur Group Chairman Lars Felderhoff paid his own personal tribute over the weekend, adding: “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.”