Acquisition strengthens Merkur Group’s position in the regulated US market and expands its online gaming portfolio
Merkur acquires White Hat Studios as the company continues to expand its presence in the regulated US iGaming market. The acquisition, announced on 15 July, remains subject to regulatory approval. Neither company has disclosed the financial terms.
The acquisition expands Merkur’s presence in the regulated US iGaming market through White Hat Studios, an established supplier of online casino content.
Founded in 2021, White Hat Studios has released games across all seven regulated US iGaming states and developed a portfolio of more than 150 titles.
The transaction does not include White Hat Gaming’s platform or white-label businesses, which will continue to operate independently.
Merkur strengthens its US strategy
The acquisition marks another step in Merkur’s long-term expansion strategy.
The group entered the online gaming sector through the acquisition of Blueprint Gaming in 2012. More recently, Merkur strengthened its presence in the United States by acquiring Gaming Arts in 2025.
The latest acquisition marks the next step in Merkur’s US expansion strategy. White Hat Studios strengthens the group’s online content portfolio and extends its reach across regulated US iGaming markets.
White Hat Studios has established a strong US foothold
Founded in 2021, White Hat Studios has expanded across the regulated US iGaming market in just a few years.
The supplier became the first studio to launch online slot content in all seven regulated US iGaming states. That expansion has supported a catalogue of more than 150 games, including the 7s Fire Blitz™ collection and the Jackpot Royale™ progressive jackpot network.
White Hat Studios has also secured the rights to develop games based on several recognised entertainment brands. Those licences include The Goonies™, Peaky Blinders™, Ted™, The Flintstones™ and Deal or No Deal™.
Merkur and White Hat Studios comment on the acquisition
Chairman of the Management Board, Lars Felderhoff, said:
“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.”
Group Chairman Michael Gauselmann described the acquisition as another milestone in Merkur’s online gaming strategy, following the 2012 purchase of Blueprint Gaming.
President of White Hat Studios Andy Whitworth 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.”
Whitworth described the acquisition as an opportunity to accelerate White Hat Studios’ long-term development under Merkur Group’s ownership.
Regulatory approval remains the next step
The acquisition reinforces Merkur’s investment in regulated online gaming and strengthens its position in the United States. White Hat Studios content will continue to expand Merkur’s content portfolio and support its long-term strategy in the regulated US iGaming market.