Gambling is not addictive, says Paul Gauselmann
Amidst the flashing lights, humming machines and the constant flickering of digital displays, one could easily get the impression of being at a fair, where loud cries of "Win, win, win!" attract visitors. But this place is no fairground - it is the headquarters of the renowned Merkur Group, formerly known as the Gauselmann Group. Here, in Espelkamp in East Westphalia, a company has its roots that has been successfully operating in the gaming sector for over six decades. On August 26, founder Paul Gauselmann celebrates his 90 euros birthday - a milestone in an eventful entrepreneurial life.
Since its foundation in 1957, the Merkur Group has undergone impressive development. What began as a small company is now an international corporation that operates slot machines and other gaming facilities around the world. The group's success story is inextricably linked to the name Paul Gauselmann, who has led and shaped the company from the very beginning. On a Friday afternoon in July, Gauselmann, well dressed and full of energy, welcomes guests to his office in Espelkamp. At his side are Manfred Stoffers, member of the board, and his spokesman, who are also present at the meeting.
Gauselmann is in a good mood and proud of what he and his company have achieved. But there are issues that can quickly turn his mood upside down - one of them is the issue of gambling addiction and the associated illegality of gambling.
Illegal gambling and its consequences
Paul Gauselmann becomes visibly more serious when the conversation turns to the problem of illegal gambling. "If legal gambling does not satisfy enough, players will move to illegal gambling," he explains. This statement highlights the challenges that legal providers such as the Merkur Group face. The competition from illegal offers is great, and this not only affects the companies, but also the state. Gauselmann points out that billions in taxes are lost in Germany due to illegal gambling. This is not only a financial problem, but also a social one, as illegal offers are often operated without any player protection and without any control.
Gauselmann's criticism is not only aimed at illegal gambling, but also at the bureaucratic hurdles that legal providers have to overcome. "The bureaucratic effort is not killing us, but it is immense," he says. A large part of the company's costs are spent on unnecessary bureaucracy, which further reduces the already tight return. With a return of five percent, which the company is currently achieving, this is still bearable, says Gauselmann. But if this continues to fall, things will get tight - especially in view of the rising wage costs and other operational challenges.
International success as a way out
Another point that Paul Gauselmann addresses is the increasing internationalization of his company. "Fortunately, we started operating abroad in good time," he emphasizes. Today, the Merkur Group generates 60 percent of its turnover and 50 percent of its profits outside Germany. This internationalization was and is an important step for the group to meet the challenges of the domestic market. While legal providers in Germany such as the Merkur Group struggle with high bureaucratic requirements and illegal competition, foreign markets often offer better conditions and greater growth opportunities.
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Conclusion: A company between tradition and modernity
Today, the Merkur Group stands not only for tradition, but also for innovation and adaptability. Paul Gauselmann has managed to lead his company through decades of change and challenges. But the challenges remain - be it due to increasing bureaucracy, pressure from illegal providers or the need to open up new markets abroad. On his 90 euros birthday, Paul Gauselmann can look back on a successful entrepreneurial life - but the future remains exciting and challenging at the same time.
