Magic Journey

About Magic Journey

Merkur represents the gaming and leisure division of the Gauselmann Group, a historic German family-owned enterprise specialising in gaming machines, software and casino operations across Europe. 

Earlier this year Merkur Group agreed to acquire the slots provider White Hat Studios. Merkur said the acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, would “further accelerate” its US expansion, complementing its 2025 purchase of the Nevada-licensed supplier Gaming Arts.  

Framing the acquisition as the latest step in the company’s online expansion, Merkur supervisory board Chairman Michael Gauselmann stated: “Having made early inroads into the online space in Europe via our Blueprint acquisition in 2012, I am delighted by this latest development and am confident that White Hat Studios will be a great addition to our group.” 

About Magic Journey

On Thursday, Codere Online announced a multi-year partnership as the official betting partner of the National Football League (NFL) in Mexico, as the US’ NFL season kicks off.

The collaboration includes sponsorship rights for significant NFL events such as Super Bowl LXI and the NFL Mexico Game – a regular-season NFL matchup on 22 November 2026 in Mexico City between the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings. 

The deal extends to activations around the 2027 Super Bowl in Los Angeles. The companies have outlined provisions for hospitality programmes, VIP experiences, activations across several Mexican cities and official NFL merchandise opportunities for Codere Online’s customer base.

What is Magic Journey?

“Africa is an important and growing part of SmartSoft’s international strategy, and joining the African iGaming Alliance represents an important step in strengthening our long-term commitment to the continent,” he commented.

Peter Kesitilwe, CEO of the AiA, added: “SmartSoft already has significant exposure to African markets, and we look forward to working with their team on issues ranging from B2B licensing and market access to responsible gaming, channelisation and sustainable regulation.”

The AiA said this was the latest example of its objective of bringing industry stakeholders into “constructive dialogue” as Africa’s gambling market develops.