- Founded
- 1993-01-01 in Mechernich, North Rhine‑Westphalia, Germany
- Headquarters
- Mechernich (near Cologne), Germany
GeWeTe Geldwechsel- und Sicherheitstechnik GmbH (simply "GeWeTe") is a German manufacturer of professional cash‑handling systems, including money changers, automated pay stations, and ticket machines. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Mechernich near Cologne, the company is the undisputed market leader in Germany for gaming‑venue cash solutions and ranks among the largest suppliers of automated pay stations and ticketing systems in Europe. GeWeTe operates wholly owned subsidiaries in Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom/Ireland, and employs approximately 115 people at its development and production sites. Since 2014 it has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the Merkur Group (a family‑owned German gaming conglomerate). The company’s product portfolio ranges from banknote recyclers and coin‑based change machines to fully integrated self‑service kiosks for casinos, arcades, sports‑betting outlets, and coin‑operated amusement machine (COAM) locations. With more than 60,000 installed systems worldwide and over three decades of experience, GeWeTe is a recognised partner for operators seeking secure, automated cashflow control and regulatory compliance. The company recently expanded its U.S. footprint through a strategic distribution partnership with Betson Enterprises, targeting the Georgia COAM market ahead of prize‑redemption rule changes taking effect in July 2026.
Detailed Review
History & Corporate Structure
GeWeTe was established in 1993 as a specialist developer and manufacturer of money‑exchange systems. The company's early focus was on coin‑operated change machines for German gaming arcades, and it quickly became the domestic market leader in that segment. Over the years it expanded its product line to include automated pay stations (ticket‑out machines) and ticketing solutions for amusement and sports venues. In 2014, GeWeTe was acquired by the Merkur Group (Gauselmann family), a major German gaming and amusement conglomerate, becoming a fully owned subsidiary. The Merkur Group provides financial stability, distribution reach, and regulatory support, while GeWeTe continues to operate as an independent engineering and production unit from its Mechernich facility. The company has three international subsidiaries: GeWeTe España S.L. (Spain), GeWeTe Italia S.r.l. (Italy), and GeWeTe UK & Ireland Ltd., each serving local markets with sales, service, and support.
Products & Technology
GeWeTe’s core competence is in cash‑handling machinery that validates, stores, dispenses, and recycles banknotes and coins. Key product families include: Money Changers: Coin‑to‑bill and bill‑to‑coin exchange machines for gaming floors, typically equipped with high‑security vaults and multi‑currency support. Automated Pay Stations: Self‑service kiosks that let players redeem vouchers or tickets for cash or prizes, reducing manual cashier workload. Ticket Machines: Devices that print and dispense gaming tickets, loyalty coupons, or admission passes, often integrated with the operator’s management system. Kiosk Platforms: Fully integrated touch‑screen terminals that combine bill‑in, ticket‑out, and secure cashbox functions, designed for COAM and regulated gaming environments. All products are built with proprietary firmware, industrial‑grade mechanics, and software interfaces that allow remote monitoring, cash accounting, and multi‑vault security. GeWeTe holds relevant certifications for gaming jurisdictions in Europe and North America.
Market Position
GeWeTe is the clear market leader in Germany for gaming‑cash solutions and has a strong installed base across Europe. In recent years the company has actively pursued growth in the United States, which it now describes as “one of its most important markets.” The 2026 partnership with Betson Enterprises (a division of H. Betti Industries) gives GeWeTe a dedicated distribution channel for the Georgia COAM market, with full financing, installation, and service support. GeWeTe’s technology is also used by many of the world’s largest casino operators and tribal gaming enterprises.
Licensing & Compliance
As a subsidiary of the Merkur Group, GeWeTe benefits from the group’s extensive licensing experience in Germany and other regulated markets. The company itself holds ISO 9001 quality management certification and its products are tested to meet European (CE) and North American (UL) safety and security standards. GeWeTe actively participates in industry associations and trade shows (e.g., ICE London, G2E Las Vegas).
Recent Developments
The July 2026 regulatory change in Georgia (requiring COAM locations to adopt approved redemption methods, such as gift cards) has driven GeWeTe to offer its kiosk platform as a compliant solution. The Betson partnership, announced in early 2026, is a key milestone. Additionally, GeWeTe continues to invest in cash‑recycling technology and software that enables operators to manage cashflow in real time.
Key Products
WGS 102
Compact mini-changer for coins and banknotes, designed for space-constrained locations.
Mega-Cash-Recycler
High-capacity money-changing and recycling system for high-traffic casinos and betting shops.
Automated Pay Stations
Ticket-issuing and payout kiosks for gaming venues and retail.
Deposit Systems
Secure drop-and-count solutions for cash and voucher deposits.
OEM Cash Handling Modules
Banknote and coin validators/recyclers supplied to other gaming equipment manufacturers.
WGS 102 Mini-Changer
Compact money changer for small venues; handles banknotes and coins.
Automated Pay Stations (Kiosks)
Self-service terminals for ticket redemption, prize payouts, and gift-card dispensing.
Ticket Machines
Solutions for printing, validating, and redeeming tickets and vouchers.
Custom Cash-Handling Solutions
OEM/private-label systems developed for gaming machine manufacturers and integrators.
Kiosk Platforms
Full‑function touch‑screen terminals combining bill‑acceptor, ticket‑printer, and secure cashbox; designed for regulated COAM markets and casino floors.
Cash‑Handling Software & APIs
Proprietary firmware and remote‑monitoring tools for cash accounting, vault management, and integration with operator systems.
Money Changers (Geldwechsler)
Coin‑to‑banknote and banknote‑to‑coin exchange machines with high‑security vaults, used in gaming arcades, casinos, and vending locations.
Offices & Headcount
115 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
Aristidis TsikourasFounder & Chief Executive Officer
Notable past members
- Aristidis Tsikouras — Sales Director
- Aristidis Tsikouras — Member of Management Board (Sales)
- Aristidis Tsikouras — Managing Director (excl. Development & Quality)
