Merkur Acquires White Hat Studios for U.S. Expansion

Merkur Group has agreed to acquire White Hat Studios as part of its expansion in the regulated U.S. iGaming market. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals.

White Hat Studios launched in 2021. Merkur said the studio became the first supplier to release online slots across all seven regulated U.S. states. Its portfolio includes the House of Brands collection, 7s Fire Blitz and the Jackpot Royale progressive network.

The purchase builds on Merkur’s earlier deal for Nevada-licensed supplier Gaming Arts. Merkur said the two businesses will support operators through a mix of online-first and omni-channel content.

White Hat Studios’ platform and white-label operations sit outside the transaction and stay under their current ownership.

💡TGJ Take

Merkur is using acquisitions to build a broader U.S. content operation rather than enter the market with a single product line. White Hat Studios brings established online distribution, while Gaming Arts adds land-based expertise. The key test will be whether Merkur can combine those assets into a stronger offer for U.S. operators.