Merkur Group agrees to acquire White Hat Studios as it accelerates its U.S. iGaming and omnichannel growth strategy
Merkur Group is strengthening its U.S. gaming strategy with an agreed acquisition of White Hat Studios, one of the leading slot suppliers in the American iGaming market.
The transaction will expand Merkur’s U.S. operations and add an online-first content business that has grown quickly since launching in 2021. The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approvals.
White Hat Studios has built a strong position in the U.S. iGaming sector, becoming the first supplier to launch online slots across all seven regulated states. Its portfolio includes the “House of Brands” slot collection, the 7s Fire Blitz game series and the Jackpot Royale progressive network.
The studio was created in 2021 to bring leading European online casino content to the U.S. market. Its origins include an acquired remote game server, brand and catalogue from Blueprint Gaming, with content from Blueprint, Reel Time, Merkur and Lucksome Studios made available to U.S. players through the White Hat Studios structure.
For Merkur, the agreed acquisition adds scale, content and market access at a time when the group is building a larger position in North America.
The deal also complements Merkur’s recent acquisition of Gaming Arts, the Nevada-licensed game and machine supplier. Merkur completed that transaction in September 2025 after receiving Nevada Gaming Commission approval earlier in the year. The combination gives Merkur a broader U.S. platform across land-based gaming, online-first content and omnichannel products.
The White Hat Gaming platform and white label businesses are not part of the transaction and will remain under their current ownership.
Andy Whitworth, President of White Hat Studios
“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. 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.”
Merkur said White Hat Studios’ growth since launch makes it a strong fit for the group’s regulated iGaming ambitions.
Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Merkur Management Board
“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.”
Michael Gauselmann also pointed to Merkur’s earlier move into online content through Blueprint as part of the group’s longer digital path.
Michael Gauselmann, Chairman of the Merkur Supervisory Board
“Having made early inroads into the online space in Europe via our Blueprint acquisition in 2012, I am delighted by this latest development and am confident that White Hat Studios will be a great addition to our group.”
The acquisition reflects the growing importance of U.S. online casino content to global suppliers. Regulated iGaming remains limited to a small number of states, but suppliers with strong game portfolios, jackpot products and omnichannel capability are positioning early for further state expansion.
For operators, the deal could support a stronger content pipeline across both online and land-based channels. For Merkur, it gives the group a faster route into U.S. regulated iGaming through a supplier that already has relationships, approvals and proven content in market.
White Hat Studios was advised by Oakvale Capital. CMS acted as legal adviser to White Hat Studios, while Wiggin advised Merkur.
