Interview with Hannelore Valkanov about the future of Merkur Gaming in Romania
Another edition of EAE has concluded. How was the event from the perspective of Merkur Gaming?
Hannelore Valkanov: Our expectations, set at least eight years ago regarding the evolution of the gambling market, are confirmed year after year, namely a strong consolidation. Although we know that the total number of authorized machines has increased compared to 2022, the number of operators and decision-makers participating in these events each year has significantly decreased. Therefore, the event had low attendance, evident to all present, and the overall atmosphere was strongly marked by the legislative uncertainty we are facing. However, for us, these three days were perhaps the most dynamic and interesting in recent years, and personally, I believe that our presence at the event was beneficial for all those who visited us.
How do you position yourselves today in relation to the operators active in the Romanian market?
Hannelore Valkanov: I believe that for everyone who has invested in this field, it has become evident that a period of significant changes is ahead, and the face of the industry will change. It is a normal process that we have seen in many EU countries. It will not be an easy process, and many operator companies will have major difficulties in adapting, whether it is about investing or changing their internal processes and vision of business partners they rely on. Our position in relation to operators has adjusted over the 12 years of presence in the market, depending on both the competitive situation and the legislative framework. Today, we position ourselves closer than ever in the past to clients, and we consider a close partnership to be the key to our future in Romania. We have big plans for the Romanian market, both in the land-based and online segments.
How do you manage the legislative uncertainty you just mentioned?
Hannelore Valkanov: We are waiting for the industry’s direction to become clear, and, of course, we have analyzed several scenarios together with operators who believe they will continue to invest in the Romanian market under the anticipated new conditions. For me personally, difficult periods and challenges have always represented major opportunities, looking back, and I am confident that this moment will bring significant opportunities for our partners.
Tell me a few words about the Merkur Gaming team in Romania; I noticed a very dynamic presence at this event.
Hannelore Valkanov: I’ll start by saying that the current team is what I call the “Dream Team,” in the sense that the level of competence, experience, motivation, and desire to achieve the goals set since the early days of Merkur Gaming in Romania is very high. Everything we have built together and what we want to continue building, in a much more dynamic competitive environment than in 2012, depends on the team’s willingness to achieve something significant alongside me. Our efforts are certainly exponentially supported by the Gauselmann leadership, which gives the entire team the confidence that our goals are not too ambitious, although they may seem so.
Athanasios „Sakis“ Isaakidis: Romania is facing serious challenges that we have seen happen in different countries and the outlook depends greatly on the long-term vision and responsible business assumptions of all industry players. It can lead to a more responsible, mature, and consolidated market, with stable legislation in which all stakeholders can plan for their investment initiatives or to a market downfall. However, the Gauselmann Group has experienced many challenging moments in different markets throughout its 64 years of business history and we are confident that we will gain resilience in strong partnerships across the Romanian market.
Recently, Paul Gauselmann turned 89, and there was an impressive event in Frankfurt at the end of August, which brought together the most important clients and partners of the Gauselmann group. What were the key moments of this year’s event?
Hannelore Valkanov: The event was truly impressive, and the most interesting aspect for the Romanian delegation was to see the strength with which the Gauselmann group dominates some of the largest markets in Europe and how digital innovation shapes the vision of the future. Mr. Gauselmann’s words, even from a distance, are a source of inspiration and motivation for all those present, encouraging them to achieve the impossible, regardless of when challenges arise in life. He is truly a force of nature.
What is the future of the Gauselmann Group in Romania?
Hannelore Valkanov: A healthy market is and will remain diverse, and the best competitors will challenge and stimulate each other to exceed their limits, innovate, and provide players with a responsible and exciting gaming experience. Merkur Gaming will become an increasingly significant part of this diversity, and the Merkur Sun will shine brighter than ever before.
