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GAUSELMANN: The 111,111th M-BOX rolls off the production line, and employee donation is raised to 111,111 euros

Published

4 years ago

January 26, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

An ergonomic, slim design, state-of-the-art technology with a sustainable core, a fantastic gaming experience on up to three large screens – this is adp Gauselmann’s M-BOX, the world’s most successful slot machine of the past 20 years. The 111,111th unit has now run off the production line at the company’s own production site at its headquarters in Lübbecke.

“There’s no denying that the M-BOX’s outreach to so many gaming arcades around the globe is a very special milestone, bringing continued gaming enjoyment to many people,” explains company founder and Chairman of the Management Board Paul Gauselmann. “And to think all this is a product of our own development and production capacities in Eastern Westphalia.”

The M-BOX was launched in 2015 following four years of intensive development. Frequently copied, but never equalled, the attractive slot machine revolutionised the entire vending machine industry. It rapidly gained popularity both on the domestic market in Germany as well as internationally, where it is marketed under the product name Avantgarde.

“The M-BOX represents a completely new type of cabinet design – not only in terms of design and ergonomics, but also with respect to technology, sustainability and energy efficiency. Its international popularity is confirmation that our development department has pulled off a true masterstroke,” claims Jürgen Stühmeyer, Management Board member, MERKUR Sales.

Translating the concept of the M-BOX into a finished product required resourcefulness and perseverance. Initially, the ergonomic requirements identified in an ergonomics study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute were not compatible with the technical demands on the new multigamer. The solution lay in a new door concept that allows the door of the M-BOX to swing upwards rather than sideways, thus leaving sufficient space for the required components.

Using modern processors and new touch technology ensures games are displayed in brilliant, full HD resolution with no loss of brightness. Despite this outstanding performance capability, the multigamer is far more energy efficient, resulting in up to 50 per cent lower power consumption – a breakthrough that not only benefits operators, but above all the environment.

Dr Werner Schroer, Gauselmann Group Management Board member, Development and Technology, explains: “The M-BOX is the result of an outstanding team effort. While working on its development, we motivated and inspired one another, always with a mind to making improvements and developing a perfect machine for even more gaming fun. That’s the passion that all of us across the Gauselmann Group share.”

This passion was also the driving force behind the continuous further development and optimisation of the M-BOX in subsequent years, which saw adp Gauselmann launch a number of new, themed M-BOX editions, including the SOCCER, SEVEN and PRINCE models. In 2017, the cabinet was upgraded with the addition of a third 27-inch monitor, marking the birth hour of the M-BOX TRIO. Two and three years later, the M-BOX MAX and the M-BOX MAX TRIO followed, which offer maximum scope for the reels on 32-inch monitors.

“Each year, up to 50,000 gaming machines roll off our production lines. With 111,111 produced units, the M-BOX in its various guises obviously stands out in particular,” Production Manager Hans Martin Grube explains. During construction, the M-BOX passes through seven assembly stages with 4,937 individual components and a total production time of around 14 hours. Through their dedication on the job, our approximately 300 line staff ensure that each and every unit meets the exacting quality standards.”

The M-BOX convinces not only with its cabinet design; the top-notch games content is also a winner. New, exciting games and features are constantly being developed and tested in wide-scale field tests, paving the way for adp Gauselmann to deliver the ideal games mix time and again.

And with his 2015 prediction for the M-BOX, Jürgen Stühmeyer, Management Board member MERKUR Sales, hit the nail on the head: “The right business model is important, but the enjoyment for all those involved is equally important. And that’s guaranteed here.” Today the 111,111 M-BOXES sold add some 23,195,000 kilos of weight to this statement.

To mark this special achievement, the company has also come up with a special initiative. The employee donation benefiting the victims of the 2021 flood disaster in the western part of Germany in the amount of 85,000 euros, which was topped up to 95,800 euros by the Paul and Karin Gauselmann Foundation and a number of subsidiaries, will be increased again by 15,311 euros to 111,111 euros, thus matching the number of units produced and supporting the people of North Rhine-Westphalia.

eSports

Esports Foundation names Faker Game Ambassador for EWC and ENC through 2028

Published

10 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

esports-foundation-names-faker-game-ambassador-for-ewc-and-enc-through-2028

Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen in the Esports Foundation’s Ambassador Program.

The Esports Foundation (EF) has appointed Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok as a Game Ambassador for the Esports World Cup (EWC) and Esports Nations Cup (ENC) through 2028, the organization said on July 15, 2026 in a statement issued from Riyadh and Paris.

EF said Faker joins Cristiano Ronaldo, listed as the Foundation’s Global Ambassador, and Magnus Carlsen as part of the Esports Foundation Ambassador Program. The Foundation said Faker will represent “the perspective of esports players” across its international events, athlete initiatives, media engagements and leadership forums.

“You can’t talk about esports without mentioning Faker. He is the defining athlete of competitive gaming: a champion whose excellence, discipline and longevity have inspired an entire generation,” said Ralf Reichert, Chief Executive Officer of the Esports Foundation. “As our Game Ambassador, Faker represents something fundamental to the Ambassador Program: esports creates its own global sporting icons. Across EWC, ENC and NGSC, he will help ensure that the players who built this sport have a voice in shaping where it goes next.”

Faker said: “Competition has shaped my life, and I am proud to join the Esports Foundation as Game Ambassador. I want to continue competing for the biggest titles with T1 while representing the players and fans who have helped esports grow worldwide. Through the Esports World Cup, Esports Nations Cup and the Foundation’s wider platforms, I hope to inspire the next generation to pursue excellence, remain resilient and believe in how far competitive gaming can take them. There is still much more to achieve.”

EF highlighted Faker’s competitive record, describing him as a six-time League of Legends World Champion, EWC 2024 winner, two-time MSI champion and ten-time domestic champion with T1. The Foundation also said Faker became the first esports athlete to receive the Blue Dragon Medal in 2026, describing it as the Republic of Korea’s highest sporting honor awarded by President Lee Jae-myung.

The post Esports Foundation names Faker Game Ambassador for EWC and ENC through 2028 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Brand Partnerships

Midnite signs as Middlesbrough FC principal partner for 2026/27 season

Published

17 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

midnite-signs-as-middlesbrough-fc-principal-partner-for-2026/27-season

Midnite has agreed a partnership with Middlesbrough FC that will see the UK bookmaker become the club’s principal partner and front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026/27 campaign, which Middlesbrough describes as its landmark 150th season.

The companies announced the deal alongside a fan activation at Riverside Stadium on Thursday, July 9, branded “This Season’s On Us”. The initiative offered supporters prizes including 2026/27 season tickets, 2026/27 shirts, match tickets, or a £25 club shop voucher, with fans required to answer Middlesbrough trivia and complete a football challenge.

Middlesbrough former players Craig Hignett and David Wheater attended the event, and, according to the company, took bonus attempts on behalf of participants who missed out.

Andrew Mook, Midnite’s Head of Brand Marketing, said:

“Middlesbrough have a storied history and we’re delighted to announce this partnership during such a monumental year with the club celebrating their 150th anniversary.

“It was great to see so many Middlesbrough fans at the “This Season’s On Us” activation, we hope they enjoyed taking part and meeting club legends, with David Wheater hitting top bins on several occasions and allowing fans to win big with season tickets.

“We can’t wait to get to Riverside Stadium in August to kick-off a new season and we’re excited to say that we have plenty of new and captivating campaigns planned.”

Lee Fryett, Middlesbrough FC Chief Commercial Officer, added:

“We’re delighted to welcome Midnite as our new Principal Partner.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with Midnite to develop engaging campaigns, content and unique experiences that bring our fans even closer to the club.

“We’re confident this partnership will provide real value for our supporters while supporting our ambitions both on and off the pitch.”

The post Midnite signs as Middlesbrough FC principal partner for 2026/27 season appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

AGCO

ThrillTech secures AGCO supplier licence for Ontario launch

Published

17 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Wladimir P.

thrilltech-secures-agco-supplier-licence-for-ontario-launch

ThrillTech has been awarded a Gaming-Related Supplier licence by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), clearing the company to launch in Ontario’s regulated market.

The licence allows ThrillTech to deploy its opt-in side bet jackpots technology with regulated online casino, sports betting and lottery operators across the province.

Benjamin Bradtke, Co-Founder of ThrillTech, said: “Securing our AGCO licence is a major step in our mission to transform how jackpots are delivered at scale across regulated markets. This latest certification is testament to our robust technology and trusted compliance frameworks, allowing us to continue our global growth trajectory. We are thrilled to bring our proven, compliant jackpot technology to Ontario, empowering locally licensed operators to uplift revenue without cannibalising existing spend.”

The company said its “ThrillPots” mechanics sit as an independent, player-funded side bet and do not alter the underlying game’s return-to-player mathematics.

ThrillTech said the Ontario approval enables its existing multinational partners that also operate in the province to launch its side bet jackpots locally, while it also holds talks with potential new operator partners. The company lists its regulated footprint as including the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Romania, Malta, Gibraltar, Brazil and Peru.

The post ThrillTech secures AGCO supplier licence for Ontario launch appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.