Operator News

Germany – Merkur to open slot only casino in Halle

By Phil - 23 February 2018

Merkur Casino is to continue the groundbreaking concept of Merkur Spielbanken Sachsen-Anhalt, which is considered to be one of the most modern casinos in Germany and Europe, at its latest venture in Halle, a city in the southern part of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt.

Merkur Spielbanken Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture of the internationally operating Gauselmann Group, is expected to open the new venue Merkur Spielbank Halle this August Espelkamp (NRW) in partnership with the Swiss City Casino Baden AG.

It will be housed in the historic premises of the former casino in Franckestraße 1.
The new Merkur Casino in Halle will be a pure slot machine casino with a range of the latest slot machines from various manufacturers, including a variety of current Gauselmann products. Highlights include electronic roulette as well as electronic blackjack, 3D gaming machines and various jackpot systems. The number of machines can be increased to 120. In the new casino, as in Leuna-Günthersdorf and Magdeburg, there will be no suit and tie obligation with a more casual approach preferred.

The casino will cover 800 square meters of floor space, including a 340 square meters gaming floor with 85 certified latest generation slot machines and the creation of 20 new jobs.

This is the third casino of the joint venture. In total, Merkur Spielbanken Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH and Co. KG has licenses for six casino locations in Saxony-Anhalt, two casinos with classic games and slot machines, as well as up to four additional automatic tendering opportunities. The admission of all Merkur casinos in Saxony-Anhalt started on 1 December 2014 and is 15 years.

Dieter Kuhlmann, board member in charge of gaming operations of the Gauselmann Group, said: “The company has invested €16m in Merkur’s casinos in Leuna-Günthersdorf and Magdeburg, creating 77 jobs and two training centres. In Halle another €4.5m invested.”

David Schnabel, Managing Director of Merkur Spielbanken Sachsen-Anhalt, said: “The casino business in Germany is difficult – which is why we are proud that we are breaking away from this trend with Merkur Spielbanken Sachsen-Anhalt. The employees at our locations are trained and qualified by the company, and who – unlike many other casinos – can be used extensively in all areas of the casino, are decisive for the success. In addition, Merkur casinos are particularly successful due to their attractive range of games with the latest products and – where possible – popular live games. The variety of event offerings and the modern gaming-specific systems, such as the ticketing system, the payout terminals and the money processing at the gaming tables – which make the previously customary cash registers superfluous – have revolutionized the casino’s processes. Merkur casinos are characterised by a good ambiance.”

The architect behind Merkur Spielbanken, Susanne Rasspe, added: “The building is a listed building both from the outside and inside, so it is essential that all reconstruction work is carried out in close cooperation with the monument protection authority.”

The historical character of the premises, which previously housed a casino, is to be restored.
The design concept created by her bears the name Carmel.

“It’s named after the eponymous town in California, and grabs the colors and shapes of nature on the west coast of the United Stateson, “she explained. So gold is the definitive accent colour. The wave movements of the sea and the sand on the west coast are reflected in the wall decorations. Overall, the casino is bathed in a cozy and warm atmosphere.”

Picture caption: The plans for the new Merkur Spielbank Halle were presented (from left to right): Dieter Kuhlmann, Board Member Gaming Companies of the Gauselmann Group, Tobias Hellbach, future Head of Merkur Spielbank Halle, Susanne Rasspe, Dipl.-Ing. Interior / architect, Marcus L. Brandenburg, casino director Merkur casinos Saxony-Anhalt, Jan Kampe, assistant to the management, and David Schnabel, managing director Merkur casinos Saxony-Anhalt.