MERKUR Casino operates around 800 arcades and bingo halls across Europe under the Gauselmann Group, offering premium gaming experiences with a commitment to responsible gambling and customer safety.
MERKUR Casino represents one of Europe's most established and respected gaming entertainment brands, operating under the Gauselmann Group umbrella. With a presence spanning eight countries and approximately 800 venues, MERKUR has built its reputation on delivering premium gaming experiences while maintaining the highest standards of responsible gambling and customer care. The brand encompasses multiple gaming channels including traditional arcades, modern casino venues, online platforms like Merkur24 and MerkurXtip, and mobile applications, creating a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem for players across Europe.
Founded in 1974 when Paul Gauselmann opened his first arcade in Delmenhorst, Germany, MERKUR Casino revolutionized the gaming industry by introducing the concept of premium arcade environments. Gauselmann is widely regarded as the inventor of the modern arcade, establishing standards that transformed gaming venues from basic entertainment spaces into sophisticated establishments comparable to four-star hotels. This foundational philosophy continues to guide MERKUR's operations today, with every venue designed to deliver exceptional ambience, innovative gaming products, and outstanding customer service through highly trained staff.
The MERKUR brand operates under MERKUR CASINO GmbH, which changed its name from CASINO MERKUR-SPIELOTHEK GmbH in 2018. As part of the larger Gauselmann Group, MERKUR Casino benefits from extensive resources, technological innovation, and industry expertise accumulated over five decades. The company's iconic laughing sun logo has become synonymous with quality gaming entertainment across Europe, recognized by millions of players who trust the brand for fair play, exciting games, and responsible operations.
MERKUR Casino's physical presence spans over 220 slots, high street bingo, and casino venues across the United Kingdom alone, with the total European network encompassing approximately 800 locations. In Germany, where MERKUR maintains its strongest market position, the company operates around 350 branches, making it the undisputed market leader in the arcade and casino sector. This extensive network ensures that players are never far from a MERKUR venue, with convenient locations in city centers, high streets, and entertainment districts.
Beyond Germany and the United Kingdom, MERKUR Casino has established significant operations in Spain, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Serbia, and the Netherlands. Each market receives customized attention, with MERKUR adapting its offerings to comply with local gambling regulations and cultural preferences. This localization strategy has proven highly successful, allowing MERKUR to maintain consistent quality standards while respecting regional differences in gaming culture and player expectations.
Every MERKUR Casino location adheres to the company's founding principle of four-star hotel standards. This commitment manifests in carefully designed interiors featuring comfortable seating, climate control, modern lighting, and clean, welcoming environments. The venues are regularly updated to incorporate the latest gaming technology while maintaining the premium atmosphere that distinguishes MERKUR from competitors. Staff training programs ensure that employees deliver professional, friendly service that enhances the overall player experience.
MERKUR Casino provides an extensive range of gaming products across multiple platforms, ensuring players can access their favorite games whether visiting physical venues or playing online. The gaming portfolio includes traditional slot machines, modern video slots, linked progressive jackpots, table games, and specialized offerings tailored to different player preferences and skill levels.
MERKUR's slot game collection represents decades of development expertise from MERKUR Gaming, the manufacturing division responsible for creating innovative gaming machines. Popular titles include Fishin Frenzy Xtra Catch, Dragon's Destiny, and Zentaurus Hurricane, each designed with engaging themes, compelling graphics, and rewarding gameplay mechanics. The company continuously releases new games to keep the portfolio fresh and exciting, with regular updates ensuring players always have access to the latest gaming innovations.
One of MERKUR's most exciting offerings is Clash Link, a game-changing linked progressive jackpot system that connects four distinct games: Ancient Clash, Nordic Clash, Egypt Clash, and Fantastic Clash. This innovative system allows players to compete for substantial jackpots while enjoying diverse themes and gameplay styles. Linked progressives create heightened excitement as jackpot values grow across the network, offering the potential for life-changing wins that attract players seeking maximum entertainment value.
MERKUR has successfully expanded into digital channels with Merkur24, a free-to-play social casino platform available via web browser and mobile app. Merkur24 offers players the opportunity to enjoy MERKUR's slot games without real money wagering, providing entertainment through virtual currency systems. For players in licensed markets, MerkurXtip delivers a fully licensed online casino experience featuring slot games from Czech and international manufacturers, combining MERKUR's quality standards with the convenience of online play.
MERKUR Casino has established itself as Europe's premier gaming entertainment provider since Paul Gauselmann opened the first branch in Delmenhorst in 1974. The company pioneered the modern arcade concept based on four-star hotel standards, combining first-class ambience, innovative products, and excellently trained staff to create the most popular gaming venues in Europe.
Operating in Germany, Spain, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Serbia, Great Britain, and the Netherlands, MERKUR Casino flexibly adapts to regional gambling laws and gaming cultures. With approximately 350 branches in Germany alone, the company maintains its position as the undisputed market leader while offering tailor-made solutions for each country's regulatory framework.
MERKUR Casino has established itself as a leader in responsible gambling initiatives, recognizing that gaming entertainment must be balanced with robust player protection measures. The company's comprehensive approach addresses problem gambling prevention, underage access prevention, and ongoing support for players who may develop gambling-related issues. This commitment reflects MERKUR's understanding that sustainable business success depends on maintaining player wellbeing and trust.
The MERKUR 360 program represents the company's flagship responsible gambling initiative, setting new standards in player protection across the industry. This comprehensive system incorporates multiple layers of safeguards including staff training, customer interaction protocols, self-exclusion options, and monitoring systems designed to identify potentially problematic gambling behaviors. The program's holistic approach ensures that player protection is embedded in every aspect of MERKUR's operations, from venue design to staff procedures and technology systems.
MERKUR provides players with various tools to manage their gaming activity responsibly. These include deposit limits, time limits, reality checks, and self-exclusion options that allow players to take breaks or permanently exclude themselves from gaming activities. The company maintains clear information about responsible gambling on its websites and in venues, ensuring players understand the risks associated with gambling and know where to seek help if needed. Helpline information and contact details for gambling support organizations are prominently displayed across all MERKUR platforms.
MERKUR invests heavily in training programs that equip staff members to recognize signs of problem gambling and intervene appropriately. Team training initiatives teach employees how to engage with customers showing concerning behaviors, offer support resources, and implement protective measures when necessary. This human element complements technological safeguards, creating a comprehensive protection system that balances player freedom with responsible oversight.
MERKUR Casino offers the CARD-IN loyalty program, providing members with access to exclusive promotions, special offers, and enhanced gaming experiences. Membership is completely free and can be used across all MERKUR Casino arcades in participating countries, including the Czech Republic where the program has proven particularly popular. The CARD-IN system tracks player activity, enabling MERKUR to deliver personalized promotions and rewards that match individual preferences and playing patterns.
Members receive regular updates about new games, special events, and promotional opportunities through newsletters and direct communications. The loyalty program creates additional value for regular players while helping MERKUR maintain ongoing relationships with its customer base. By offering tangible benefits without membership fees, MERKUR demonstrates its commitment to rewarding player loyalty and enhancing the overall entertainment experience.
MERKUR Casino actively engages in corporate social responsibility initiatives, supporting communities where it operates through charitable donations, sponsorships, and partnerships with local organizations. Recent examples include a £2,000 donation to the 4 All Foundation in Telford, supporting community programs and equipment for local groups, and a £2,000 contribution to Somerset Wildlife Trust as part of MERKUR's ongoing community program, establishing the company as a Gold Corporate Sponsor.
These initiatives reflect MERKUR's commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen that contributes positively to society beyond its core gaming operations. The company supports causes related to education, environmental conservation, health, culture, and social welfare, with particular emphasis on projects that benefit communities hosting MERKUR venues. This approach builds goodwill, strengthens community relationships, and demonstrates that MERKUR's success translates into tangible benefits for the broader society.
MERKUR Casino has earned recognition as a Top National Employer through Focus-Business awards, reflecting high employee satisfaction and positive workplace culture. The company offers diverse career opportunities spanning customer service, marketing, IT, operations, management, and specialized gaming industry roles. MERKUR seeks friendly, energetic individuals who enjoy working with people and contributing to team success.
Employee development receives significant attention, with programs including the Gauselmann Institute for specialized training, health management initiatives, company sports activities, and the MERKUR Seniors Club for retired employees. This comprehensive approach to employee wellbeing creates a supportive work environment that attracts and retains talented professionals. Career progression opportunities exist throughout the organization, with MERKUR promoting from within whenever possible and supporting employees who demonstrate commitment and capability.
MERKUR Gaming, the manufacturing division within the Gauselmann Group, drives continuous innovation in gaming technology. The company develops cutting-edge gaming cabinets, software platforms, and linked progressive systems that keep MERKUR Casino at the forefront of industry developments. Recent technological partnerships, including an expanded alliance with Spintec that evolved from a 2019 technological partnership into a comprehensive corporate collaboration, demonstrate MERKUR's commitment to leveraging external expertise alongside internal development capabilities.
The company's eSolutions division provides technological infrastructure supporting online gaming, mobile applications, cash handling systems, and ticketing solutions. This integrated technology ecosystem enables MERKUR to deliver seamless experiences across physical and digital channels while maintaining the security, reliability, and performance standards that players expect from a premium gaming brand.
MERKUR Casino operates under strict regulatory oversight in every market where it maintains a presence. The company holds appropriate licenses and permits required by local gambling authorities, ensuring full compliance with legal requirements governing gaming operations, player protection, advertising, and financial transactions. In markets like the Czech Republic, MERKUR operates MerkurXtip as a fully licensed online casino, demonstrating the company's commitment to legal, regulated gaming rather than gray-market operations.
Compliance extends beyond basic licensing to encompass supply chain management, anti-money laundering procedures, data privacy protections, and responsible gambling obligations. MERKUR maintains dedicated compliance teams that monitor regulatory developments, implement required changes, and ensure ongoing adherence to evolving legal standards across multiple jurisdictions. This proactive approach to compliance protects both players and the company while supporting the broader goal of maintaining gaming as a legitimate, well-regulated form of entertainment.
MERKUR Casino stands as a pillar of European gaming entertainment, combining five decades of industry experience with ongoing innovation and unwavering commitment to player wellbeing. The company's extensive venue network, diverse gaming portfolio, and multi-channel presence provide players with convenient access to premium entertainment experiences backed by rigorous responsible gambling measures. From its founding principle of four-star hotel standards to its modern MERKUR 360 player protection program, MERKUR consistently demonstrates that commercial success and social responsibility can coexist harmoniously.
Whether visiting one of MERKUR's 800 European venues, playing through the Merkur24 social casino platform, or enjoying licensed online gaming via MerkurXtip, players can trust that they are engaging with a brand that prioritizes quality, fairness, and customer care. As MERKUR continues expanding its presence, developing new games, and enhancing its responsible gambling initiatives, the company remains focused on its core mission: providing exciting, safe, and socially responsible gaming entertainment that enriches communities and delivers value to all stakeholders.
MERKUR Casino operates approximately 800 venues across eight European countries: Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Serbia, and the Netherlands. Germany represents the largest market with around 350 branches.
Yes, the CARD-IN loyalty program is completely free to join and provides members with access to exclusive promotions and special offers across all participating MERKUR Casino venues.
MERKUR 360 is the company's comprehensive responsible gambling initiative that sets industry standards for player protection through staff training, monitoring systems, intervention protocols, and various tools that help players manage their gaming activity responsibly.
Yes, MERKUR offers Merkur24 as a free-to-play social casino platform and MerkurXtip as a licensed online casino in regulated markets, providing players with convenient digital access to MERKUR's gaming portfolio.
MERKUR Casino venues are designed to four-star hotel standards, featuring premium ambience, modern equipment, comfortable environments, and highly trained staff, distinguishing them from basic gaming establishments through superior quality and customer experience.
MERKUR provides multiple responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, time limits, self-exclusion options, staff training for intervention, prominent helpline information, and the comprehensive MERKUR 360 player protection program that addresses problem gambling prevention at multiple levels.
MERKUR Casino collaborates with leading industry partners to deliver exceptional gaming experiences.
Experience four thrilling games connected to one epic jackpot with Ancient, Nordic, Egypt, and Fantastic Clash themes offering endless adventure and massive winning potential.
Enjoy free casino gaming entertainment with authentic MERKUR slot games available on web and mobile platforms, featuring regular chip bonuses and social gaming features.
MERKUR Casino donated £2,000 to the independent Telford-based charity to help fund new equipment for community groups across Shropshire.
A £2,000 contribution establishes MERKUR Casino as Gold Corporate Sponsor, supporting nature conservation and community participation programs.
MERKUR Group concluded a remarkable year with strong presence at BEGE in Sofia, showcasing latest gaming innovations to international audience.