Latest News
Leadership transition within the Merkur Group

Paul Gauselmann steps down from the group’s executive management / Michael Gauselmann assumes the roles of Chairman of the Supervisory Board and the Board of Directors of the Gauselmann Family Foundation / Lars Felderhoff is appointed new Chairman of the Management Board
A new chapter is dawning for the Merkur Group as company founder Paul Gauselmann is set to retire as Management Board Chairman on 1 October, stepping back from the company’s executive leadership. For 67 years, he has shaped the destiny of the group, transforming a part-time one-man business into an internationally acclaimed group of companies with total sales revenues of around 4 billion euros and external sales revenues of over 2.7 billion euros. “I have consistently devoted my energy to the company’s welfare, and at the same time to the benefit of our approximately 15,000 employees,” he stated. “Now the time has come to entrust my life’s work to the younger generation,” explains Paul Gauselmann. Lars Felderhoff, 48, CFO of the Merkur Group, will assume the role of Chairman. He will be supported by Jürgen Stühmeyer (64), Management Board member with responsibility for sales, and Manfred Stoffers (70), Management Board member with responsibility for marketing, communications and political affairs, as vice-chairs. “I am delighted that this trio is taking over the helm. They are outstanding leaders with a deep understanding of the company,” adds Paul Gauselmann, who will continue his association with the company as a member of the Gauselmann Family Foundation.
A generational shift is also taking place on another level: Michael Gauselmann (68) is set to assume the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board from Manfred Grünewald (89) on 1 October. He will also succeed Paul Gauselmann as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gauselmann Family Foundation. As the sole shareholder of the group, the Foundation is the hub for all fundamental strategic decisions. “I am thrilled that my son Michael is embracing this important responsibility and will contribute his international experience to our company,” states Paul Gauselmann. Michael Gauselmann, a business administration graduate, joined the group in 1982 and worked across all business segments. He advanced internationalisation by establishing the subsidiary Atronic in 1993, overseeing all foreign operations. For a decade, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Management Board before becoming Co-Chairman of the Group Management Board, sharing responsibilities with Paul Gauselmann from 2004 to 2012. From 2013, he was involved in the then Gauselmann Family Council and, from 2016, in the Gauselmann Family Foundation.
Lars Felderhoff will assume responsibility for executive management as the new Group Chairman. He has overseen the finances and organisation of the Merkur Group since 2018. He started his career in 2000 at the subsidiary Atronic. From 2007 to 2011, he expanded his expertise at the gaming group GTech (now IGT) and at Metro Cash & Carry International, a wholesale group. Felderhoff rejoined Merkur in 2011 as the Commercial Director of the adp Merkur subsidiary. In that capacity, he was in charge of commercial operations for the Merkur business segment, encompassing over 40 companies both in Germany and internationally. As a native of Rahden, he has close ties to the region and understands the roots of the corporate group. “The challenge is immense, and naturally, we will not be able to fill the shoes of an entrepreneur like Paul Gauselmann one-to-one. However, the company is robust and agile enough to continue setting new benchmarks in the future.”
He is assisted by the Management Board’s Vice-Chairs, Jürgen Stühmeyer and Manfred Stoffers. Stühmeyer, who hails from Minden, has dedicated 37 years to the Eastern-Westphalian company, starting as a trainee in 1987 and progressively advancing through the ranks. In his function as the Management Board member responsible for sales, he has directed the strategic orientation and commercial success of the entire Merkur pillar since 2007. Manfred Stoffers joined the company in 2011 as a consultant to the Chairman of Gauselmann AG, and was appointed Management Board member responsible for Marketing, Communications and Political Affairs in 2015.
Paul Gauselmann expressed great satisfaction with the top-level personnel changes, stating, “Reorganising the company by the time I turn 90 has been my wish for some time. We have accomplished this very well and are ideally positioned for the future, particularly as my son Michael, both a member of the Gauselmann family and an experienced entrepreneur, will continue to be involved in the most critical decisions.”
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Running, Riding, and Rising Together: Wellness Takes the Lead at MARE BALTICUM 2025

MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 Breaking News:
Ultramarathoner Živilė Šerkšnaitė to Guide the Morning Networking Run!
Join us for an exciting running route across beautiful Vilnius, where we will be led by Živilė Šerkšnaitė – Ultramarathoner, Artist, Mountaineer, and human extraordinaire!
At HIPTHER, we’ve always believed that great ideas flow better when the body moves and the mind is clear. That’s why fitness and wellness are not just side activities at our conferences – they’re part of our DNA.
Join us for the Morning Networking Run in Vilnius: All paces are welcome – just bring your energy and running shoes!
Meet Your Running Guide: Živilė Šerkšnaitė
This year, the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 is taking that ethos to new heights – or, shall we say, new strides.
On May 28th at 07:30 AM, attendees are invited to join a Morning Networking Run across scenic Vilnius, guided by none other than Živilė Šerkšnaitė – Ultramarathoner, Artist, Mountaineer, and all-around human powerhouse. With up to 8km of easy-paced movement and conversation, the run will return by 08:45 AM – just in time for a quick refresh and a powerful Day 2 kick-off.
And of course, we’ll keep you hydrated and happy: A big shoutout to WALLETTO, our Replenish Sponsor, for fuelling our runners with vitamin water and good vibes!
👉 Secure your spot: https://hipther.com/MBGTSvilnius
A Legacy of Movement…
HIPTHER introduced Morning Networking Runs in 2022, bringing early risers together for invigorating starts in Prague, Riga, Budapest, and Warsaw. The initiative was met with open arms (and elevated heart rates), prompting us to add Morning Yoga Sessions in 2023, creating moments of calm and clarity before packed agendas.
These aren’t just wellness gimmicks. They reflect our deep commitment to human-centric growth, nurturing not just minds, but bodies and spirits too. Because in our world, strong connections are built not just in panels and presentations, but on running paths, yoga mats, and bike routes.
So whether you’re lacing up your sneakers or strapping on your helmet, we can’t wait to move with you in Vilnius!
…Beyond Conferences
To help our community stay active beyond conference days, we’ve also created two growing digital wellness spaces – where movement meets motivation:
👟 HIPTHER’s iGaming & TECH Run Club on Strava brings together runners from across the industry who are eager to stay fit, share their achievements, and inspire each other. Whether you’re training for your next 10K or just enjoying a weekend jog, this is your place to connect.
🚴 And now, for the pedal-powered pros and weekend wanderers alike, we’re proud to introduce the brand new iGaming & TECH Cycling Club. Hop on your bike, track your rides, and cycle alongside fellow gaming & tech professionals – virtually and globally.
Join the movement here:
- Run Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/igamingtechrunners
- Cycling Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1501357
Let’s run, ride, and rise – together! #hipthers
The post Running, Riding, and Rising Together: Wellness Takes the Lead at MARE BALTICUM 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Week 20/2025 slot games releases

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Another star has joined the galaxy with ICONIC21’s latest slot release, Stellar Fruits 20. This is the second title in its Stellar Fruits series, which promises classic fruit action and cosmic energy. Stellar Fruits 20 expands the Stellar Fruits universe with a title that brings simplicity, colour and excitement, catapulting players into a thrilling and rewarding orbit.
With Spring traditionally being the season of re-birth, now’s the perfect time for Swintt’s loveable woodland critter, Max, to come out of hibernation for a brand-new adventure where each non-winning spin could lead to increasingly rewarding prizes in Max The Winner Multi. Set across a simple three-reel, five-payline gameboard, Max The Winner Multi celebrates the sights and sounds of nature in full bloom by taking place in a lush springtime paradise filled with fluttering butterflies and blossoming flowers, where gigantic wins of up to 3,065x are up for grabs.
Reflex Gaming, takes players on a vibrant journey to the afterlife in its latest online slot, Dead Lucky DuoMax™, powered by Yggdrasil. Bursting with colour and character, the game is set in a dazzling Día de los Muertos celebration, where skeletons and festive spirits turn every spin into a thrilling party. Players join the skeleton guitarist, Dead Sheeran as he chases explosive wins in a realm where the dead never sleep.
PopOK Gaming has released Rico Rabbit, the latest title in its Rico series of slot games. Featuring a compact 3×3 layout and straightforward mechanics, Rico Rabbit offers players a simple, engaging gaming experience with a mix of familiar features and clear gameplay. Rico Rabbit introduces a well-dressed rabbit character, set against a background inspired by themes of Asian wealth and prosperity.
Experience the neon lights and pulsing rhythm of the City of Sin in Vegas Velocity from Rival. This is a slot where players shift into gear and hit the gas as they race towards big wins. Vegas Velocity sees players strap in for a thrill ride like no other, lighting up the reels with Expanding Turbo Wild symbols and an Overdrive Re-spin feature.
Belatra, has released its retro reels ride, Cyber Gypsies. This latest hit from Belatra carries players into a bright world where digital technology blends with the spirit of console gaming. Taking inspiration from the look and feel of retro video games, Cyber Gypsies offers a classic 5-reel, 20-line layout packed with modern twists. A joyfully electro soundtrack puts the finishing touches on a game bursting with dynamic features, accumulating multipliers, and slick gameplay.
Spinomenal has released its new Western-themed action-adventure game, Outlaw’s Redemption. The 5×3 game unfolds in a dusty frontier town under a twilight sky that is lit by lanterns hanging along a row of wooden cabins. A soft guitar riff is complemented by maracas, building tension on the reels populated with Golden Horseshoes, Whiskey Barrels, Longhorn Skulls, Cowboy Boots, and Revolvers.
Play’n GO gets spooky at the cinema with Treats of Terror, a 5×5 grid slot set in a shadowy cinema where ghostly confections and cascading symbols bring unexpected rewards with every drop. Lights flicker and curtains twitch as Treats of Terror fills the screen with glowing sweets and spectral surprises. Set within a haunted theatre, this scatter-pays slot challenges players to land six or more matching symbols anywhere on the grid. Winning icons vanish in a cascade, replaced by fresh drops – and that’s where the tension truly builds.
TaDa Gaming, is offering palatial style play in new slot release 10 Sparkling Crown. A randomly triggered Jackpot Poker game puts serious dazzle power in players’ hands with special win multipliers applied to the four individual jackpots. With Expanding Wilds and solid gold Scatters giving multipliers up to 100x the bet, the five reels, three rows and 10 fixed paylines game offers royal win potential with 10,000x max.
Playson, the accomplished digital entertainment supplier, invites players to reel in their riches in 3x Catch. Thrilling Collector symbol elevates base play, while Free Spin mode offers a fresh twist to the Bonus Game, boosted by three eye-catching Modifiers. Despite the peaceful lake setting, the 5×4 slot ignites excitement with each fishing-themed symbol, supported by Angler cash Collect and four in-play jackpots rising to 1,000x.
PopOK Gaming is excited to introduce its newest slot release – Rico DJ! This high-energy game brings a fresh spin to the popular Rico Series. This time, Rico – everyone’s favorite party-loving lizard – is stepping up as a DJ, dropping beats and lighting up the reels with serious club vibes. With a unique 3-4-3 layout and 10 fixed paylines, Rico DJ offers a colorful, fast-paced experience.
Just Slots has announced the upcoming release of its latest title, Cyber Egypt, which will launch as a timed exclusive with Stake on 16 May 2025, ahead of a wider release on 16 June 2025. Merging ancient Egyptian mythology with futuristic AI technology, Cyber Egypt invites players into a vibrant reimagining of a world where Pharaohs harness artificial intelligence to forge the empire of their dreams. Cyber Egypt challenges players to imagine a world where the Egyptian gods have gone digital, hieroglyphs are machine-etched, and the Pharaohs reign supreme through technological might.
The post Week 20/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
AI MEETS ANCIENT EGYPT WITH JUST SLOTS NEXT GAME – CYBER EGYPT

Innovative game developer Just Slots has announced the upcoming release of its latest title, Cyber Egypt, which will launch as a timed exclusive with Stake on 16 May 2025, ahead of a wider release on 16 June 2025.
Merging ancient Egyptian mythology with futuristic AI technology, Cyber Egypt invites players into a vibrant reimagining of a world where Pharaohs harness artificial intelligence to forge the empire of their dreams. Cyber Egypt challenges players to imagine a world where the Egyptian gods have gone digital, hieroglyphs are machine-etched, and the Pharaohs reign supreme through technological might.
Building on the success of popular titles such as Shogun Skylord and Sugar Heaven, Just Slots continues to deliver entertaining gameplay with the launch of Cyber Egypt. Featuring a 5×3 reel layout and 20 paylines, the game includes a range of gameplay enhancements, including multi-hour wild symbols, exciting bonus features, and an immersive, visually striking experience – perfect for players seeking adventure and innovation.
Speaking on the new launch, Christine Parkhill, Chief Commercial Officer at Just Slots, commented: “At Just Slots, our mission is to create diverse and engaging gaming experiences that transport players to extraordinary worlds. After the sweet escapism of Sugar Heaven and the historic reimagining of Shogun Skylord, we are excited to introduce Cyber Egypt — a fusion of ancient mysticism and cutting-edge technology.
Players on Stake will enjoy exclusive early access to Cyber Egypt, a full month before the game’s wider release. This timed exclusivity is a key part of our exciting partnership with the leading online betting operator, first announced last year. At Just Slots, we pride ourselves on delivering a diverse range of innovative experiences, and we hope players will be swept away by the technological mysticism of Cyber Egypt upon launch.”
The latest announcement follows a year of significant growth for the game developer. In addition to unveiling its partnership with Stake, Just Slots has successfully launched two new titles, attracted legions of new players, and made strategic hires to strengthen its position in the sector. Looking ahead, the company is also preparing to unveil another original game in the near future.
Cyber Egypt will be available exclusively on Stake from 16 May 2025 as part of a one-month exclusive rollout, before launching more widely on 16 June 2025 with operators including Gamdom, Casino Days, Shokki, BitCasino, Sportsbet.io, and others. A playable demo will also be available on the Just Slots website for players eager to explore the technological marvels of Egypt’s cyber-empire.
The post AI MEETS ANCIENT EGYPT WITH JUST SLOTS NEXT GAME – CYBER EGYPT appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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