Merkur Gaming, as part of Germany’s world famous Gauselmann Group, has now further celebrated the passing, in September 2020 by the signature of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenesky, of Ukraine’s Gambling Act, bill 2285-D by announcing a further co-operation, directly with Ukraine’s gaming regulatory body, the Gambling and Lotteries Regulation Commission.

Merkur Gaming has now been recognised at the highest level through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and Co-operation between Ukraine’s Expert Advisory Council of Gambling and Lotteries Regulation Commission (EAC GRLC) and adp Gauselmann GmbH (Merkur). This document confirms that Merkur will bring its more than 60 years of experience and achievement in both manufacturing and operations in gaming to help and assist the Ukraine in its creation of a strong, socially responsible, and well regulated gaming industry within its borders.

To assist Merkur Gaming’s commercial activity in Ukraine the company has put in place a strategic partner that will provide in-country sales, after sales, technical and logistical support capabilities. This co-operation provides a knowledgeable and respected gaming entity that will co-operate closely with Merkur Gaming in the months and years ahead as the Ukraine’s casino and slot hall business expands dramatically.

Creating a physical presence in Ukraine’s capital city, Kiev, Merkur Gaming has designed and opened (currently, due to Covid regulations, by appointment only) a product showroom that will showcase the latest gaming equipment and the Merkur games that are ‘created by operators’ and which have been fine tuned and optimised to meet the needs of the new Ukrainian market.

Commenting on this raft of new developments Athanasios ‘Sakis’ Isaakidis, Chief Executive, International at Merkur Gaming, said: “This is truly an exciting time and a great opportunity. Coming as it does in the current pandemic climate of Covid-19, the news from the Ukraine is inspiring for us and for the entire gaming industry. Historically, difficult times have always also created opportunities and that is clearly the case here. Merkur Gaming is absolutely committed to bringing its huge experience – as both a manufacturer and as a successful operator – to work alongside the authorities in creating a new market opportunity that will create many new jobs, create new wealth and which will be, by law, a socially responsible gaming environment within the Ukraine. The overwhelming feeling, the aura as we call it, is already hugely positive and that will increase as actual operations are seen to open up. There are still many challenges to be addressed but we look forward to assisting in the process of those challenges being met. As has been said many times, to make the best result from new opportunities it is necessary to always be in the right place and at the right time. Merkur Gaming is achieving that and will continue to do so in the future as we actively co-operate in making Ukraine’s new gaming future become a resounding success.”