Merkur Group snaps up US-based White Hat Studios
German gaming giant Merkur Group has agreed to acquire leading USA iGaming developer White Hat Studios, in a move that significantly strengthens its position in the rapidly growing regulated American online casino market.
The deal, which remains subject to regulatory approvals, follows Merkur’s acquisition of Nevada-based Gaming Arts and gives the group one of the most established online-first content providers in the USA market. Financial terms were not disclosed.
President of White Hat Studios Andy Whitworth said the sale to Merkur opened the door to further growth in North America.
“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,” he said.
“Working alongside the hugely experienced Merkur team will open new possibilities for us across iGaming and enhance our ability to develop a world-class omni-channel proposition that will benefit both operators and players.”
Founded in 2021, White Hat Studios has become one of the fastest-growing iGaming suppliers in the United States, claiming to be the first provider to launch online slots across all seven regulated iGaming states. Its portfolio includes more than 150 games, highlighted by its House of Brands collection, the award-winning 7s Fire Blitz series and the Jackpot Royale progressive jackpot network.
For Merkur, the acquisition represents another step in a long-term strategy of using acquisitions to expand both its digital capabilities and geographic reach. The group first entered online gaming by acquiring a controlling stake in UK developer Blueprint Gaming in 2008 before taking full ownership in 2012, a deal that laid the foundations for its online content business across Europe.
The latest acquisition extends that strategy into North America, pairing White Hat Studios’ online expertise with Gaming Arts’ land-based casino footprint to create a broader omni-channel business capable of supplying operators across both retail and online casinos.
Merkur Management Board chairman Lars Felderhoff said the company had delivered “impressive growth” since launching in 2021.
“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,” he said.
The transaction excludes White Hat Gaming’s platform and white-label businesses, which will remain under their existing ownership.
The acquisition also comes amid strong momentum for White Hat Studios, which recently won Casino Supplier of the Year – North America at the SBC Awards Americas, further cementing its reputation as one of the leading suppliers in the regulated US online gambling sector.
