Gaming Arts

History and Founding

Gaming Arts was founded in Las Vegas in 2009 by David Colvin, who served as Chief Executive Officer for more than a decade. The company was built around modernizing two of the oldest games in the casino—bingo and keno—by introducing computerized, interactive gameplay and large jackpot progressives. A key early innovation was the Super Win Bingo system, a tablet-based platform that gives winning bingo players a chance to play a secondary interactive game (Match, Spin, Pick & Win, or Scratch) for prizes, displayed on room-wide video screens. This model proved popular and became the company’s flagship product.

Business Model and Expansion

The company later expanded into developing its own original slot machine content and casino-wide promotional systems. In a 2020 interview, Colvin emphasized the company’s focus on “fun for the gambler” and its commitment to being a full-service technology provider rather than just a game studio. Gaming Arts’ revenue comes from the sale and lease of its electronic gaming machines, bingo systems, and keno platforms, as well as ongoing software and support services for casino operators.

Leadership Changes and Acquisition

A major corporate shift occurred in September 2024, when Robert Ziems was appointed as the new CEO, replacing founder David Colvin. Ziems came to Gaming Arts with a mandate to drive innovation, enhance customer engagement, and lead expansion. This leadership change preceded a significant ownership change: on September 24, 2025, the Merkur Group finalized its acquisition of Gaming Arts. The Merkur Group, a German gaming conglomerate, noted that Gaming Arts’ 68-person team and its focus on U.S. land-based markets were key factors in the deal. Post-acquisition, Gaming Arts has continued to operate as a distinct entity.

Products and Platforms

Gaming Arts’ current product focus spans several areas: - Super Win Bingo: A computerized bingo game system using mobile tablets. After a traditional bingo win, players play a secondary interactive game (Super Match, Super Spin, Super Pick & Win, or Super Scratch) for prizes, displayed on room-wide video screens. Games and prizes are fully customizable. - Electronic Slot Machines: The company develops its own original slot games, described as “first-of-their-kind,” designed for the casino floor. - Keno Systems: Gaming Arts provides keno technology and game software for casino operations. - Casino-Wide Interactive Promotional Systems: Tools that allow casinos to run interactive, room-wide promotions and bonus events to drive player engagement.

Recent Strategic Direction

In October 2025, Gaming Arts announced a partnership with Inspired Entertainment to adapt popular online games for its land-based customer base in North and South America. This suggests a strategy of hybridizing digital content with physical casino hardware. All products are designed for the land-based casino environment, with a strong emphasis on generating high jackpot excitement and increasing floor revenue for operators. Under CEO Robert Ziems and Chairman Mike Dreitzer, the company continues to pursue innovation and market expansion while operating as part of the Merkur Group.