German gaming giant Merkur is gearing up for its showcase at ICE Barcelona 2025, the first edition to take place in Spain since the event’s relocation from its traditional home of London. As a company known for its commitment to innovation, Merkur is set to unveil a range of cutting-edge products and services at the show, with its international sales brand Merkur Gaming and numerous other subsidiaries in attendance.
In anticipation of the show, Thomas Bone, CEO of Merkur B2B Online Division, and Simon Otten, Director of Sales at Merkur, shared insights with Yogonet into their strategic plans for the exhibition, shedding light on how the company aims to captivate attendees and strengthen its presence in the international market.
What are your expectations for the upcoming edition of ICE? Do you anticipate it to feel different from past shows being the first one to be held in Barcelona?
We are thrilled about the upcoming ICE in Barcelona and see it as an exciting new chapter for the event. The move to Barcelona offers an opportunity to engage with our international audience and explore a fresh and dynamic environment. This year, we expect the event to have a renewed energy, driven by the change in location and the industry’s evolving needs.
With our Online B2B Online Brand MERKUR eSOLUTIONS GmbH and the companies— edict egaming GmbH, Bede Gaming Ltd. and EPG Financial Services Ltd. (paylado) —we look forward to showcasing a comprehensive portfolio that reflects our innovative spirit and commitment to excellence.
What will be the main products and services the company will highlight this time around? What should attendees approaching the booth expect from the company?
Visitors to our booth can expect a rich showcase of our diverse solutions:
- edict gaming ltd. will highlight its premium online casino games and aggregation solutions, designed for seamless integration and offering an unparalleled player experience.
- Bede Gaming Ltd. will showcase its leading-edge platform technology, renowned for its scalability, security, and the ability to deliver top-tier content with complete regulatory compliance. Ask our Colleagues for their really interesting references!
- Paylado, our payment service provider, will focus on its innovative payment solutions, including cash conversion and cashless systems and secure, user-friendly interfaces that cater to both operators and players.
- Merkur eSolutions GmbH will present its Omnichannel Terminal Solution, an innovation that bridges online and offline gaming, enabling a unified experience across all platforms. Attendees will experience live demonstrations of how these solutions integrate seamlessly to meet the demands of modern gaming operations.
Together, our group offers a massive product portfolio for operators looking to enhance their efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
How would you describe the industry’s current demands? What markets, verticals, and trends do you anticipate will draw the most attention during the expo?
The industry is increasingly focused on enhancing the player experience while ensuring compliance with global regulations. Key demands include omnichannel solutions, robust payment systems, and the integration of innovative technologies like AI and blockchain.
- Emerging markets within the Americas and Africa are expected to garner significant interest, offering vast growth opportunities.
- Trends like efficient cash-to-e-money conversion continue to grow, making solutions like paylado’s payment services and Merkur eSolutions’ Omnichannel Terminal Solution particularly relevant.
- There is also a strong push towards responsible gaming tools and high-performance platforms areas where Bede Gaming Ltd. provides valuable solutions.
These trends reflect a dynamic industry looking for innovation and adaptability, which we are well-equipped to deliver.
The event comes as we enter a new year for the gambling industry. What is your assessment of the company’s performance in 2024, and what should we expect from it in 2025?
2024 was a year of significant achievements across our group:
- edict gaming ltd. expanded its footprint in key markets and continued to deliver top-quality online casino games, gaining recognition for its innovation and reliability.
- Bede Gaming Ltd. solidified its reputation as a leading platform provider by partnering with new operators and introducing platform enhancements that set new standards in the industry.
- paylado delivered secure and efficient payment solutions, supporting operators in providing frictionless transactions and enhancing player satisfaction. We managed to convince > 35 new partners to work with paylado as an APM
- MERKUR eSOLUTIONS GmbH successfully launched its Omnichannel Terminal Solution, bridging the gap between land-based and online gaming and offering operators and players a truly integrated experience.
For 2025, we aim to build on this success by exploring new markets, investing in emerging technologies, and continuing our commitment to compliance and responsible gaming. Attendees at ICE Barcelona will get a glimpse of this vision and the innovative products that will shape the future of gaming.
