About this app
What is Lava Balls?
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 Lava Balls
FATF released the report – Risks of Gaming and Gambling – on Wednesday. It updates the body’s 2009 analysis of the casino sector. In addition, it draws on questionnaire responses from 80 jurisdictions and written comments from a further 29, alongside industry consultation.
The report identifies land-based and online casinos and sports betting as carrying the highest money laundering exposure. By contrast, lotteries and scratchcards present lower risk.
It finds that online gaming shows more documented terrorist financing activity than gambling, although proliferation financing risks remain limited across both sectors.
How to play Lava Balls
Macorin will attend the IAGR Annual Conference in Peru (19-22 October). There, regulators and industry representatives from around the world will discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in gaming and betting regulation.
“IAGR is extremely grateful for Fabio Macorin’s willingness to dedicate his extensive talents to representing South America at a pivotal time for gaming regulation across the region,” said IAGR Vice President Brian Krolicki.
“He brings a powerful combination of expertise in law enforcement, financial crime prevention and regulation to IAGR. His 17 years with the federal police and his leadership in building Brazil’s new regulated betting market give him a unique perspective on combatting the illegal market, strengthening AML controls and advancing regulatory cooperation. He is an ideal addition to the IAGR board of trustees and will be a tremendous asset to our global community.”
