Löwen Play Honors Life's Work of Paul Gauselmann Following His Passing

The news of Paul Gauselmann's death has deeply moved the German gambling industry. He was not just a businessman, but for many decades, he was the face and the engine of an entire industry. In an official statement, Löwen Play GmbH has now bid farewell to this heavyweight of the sector. It is an unusual but deeply felt gesture of respect when a competitor honors the life's work of a rival in this manner. The words from Löwen Play make it clear how much Gauselmann shaped the structures and development of the German machine industry.

The connection between the companies was by no means characterized solely by competition. Rather, there were numerous points of contact and a business relationship that survived the changes in the German legal framework over time. Paul Gauselmann was considered a visionary who made slot gaming socially acceptable in Germany. His commitment went far beyond mere profit maximization; he always saw himself as a representative of an honorable industry that deserves a clear place in German leisure culture.

Numbers and facts

The official statement particularly highlights the decades-long duration of their cooperation. Tilman Brauch, the Managing Director of Löwen Play GmbH, found personal words for the deceased. He recalled direct meetings that were characterized by professionalism and human warmth. Löwen Play emphasized that Paul Gauselmann decisively shaped the industry over many decades. This involved not just the Merkur Group, but the entire machine industry, whose interests he consistently represented to politicians and the public.

"Paul Gauselmann was an extraordinary entrepreneur and a committed representative of his industry. I particularly remember personal meetings and conversations that were characterized by mutual respect." - Tilman Brauch, Managing Director Löwen Play GmbH

Background

The history of the German machine industry is inextricably linked with the name Gauselmann. When he started, the market was completely different. Over the years, not only did technical possibilities change, but also social acceptance and strict legal requirements. During this time, the relationship between Löwen Play and Paul Gauselmann remained characterized by reliability. It is remarkable how a single man could set standards through his innovations and foresight that all other market participants had to follow. The entire industry, from small operators to large arcade chains, benefited indirectly from his lobbying and his drive for continuous improvement of gaming equipment.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the death of Paul Gauselmann initially represents a turning point, even though day-to-day business in arcades and online casinos naturally continues. His influence on the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) was indirectly felt, as he always advocated for clear rules and a legal market. In Germany today, strict rules apply: the deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month across all providers and the stake limit of 1 euro per spin on virtual slots are central pillars of player protection. The companies shaped by Gauselmann were among the first to implement these rules in practice and register on the whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL). Connection to the LUGAS system ensures that player protection is not just lip service but is technically monitored.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The recognition by Löwen Play shows that the major players in the German market stand together when it comes to maintaining the highest standards. GGL-licensed casinos differ fundamentally from providers from the MGA or Curacao, as they subject themselves to strict German law. Paul Gauselmann's death will not change his group's focus on the legal, regulated market. On the contrary, his legacy is a market based on seriousness and transparency. Providers like Löwen Play, which also hold German licenses, will continue to stimulate competition while implementing high standards for player protection and the OASIS exclusion system. The industry loses a pioneer but retains the quality benchmarks he created.