Operator News
UK – Gauselmann opens brand new venues following COVID-19 reopenings
By Phil - 8 July 2020
Whilst Covid-19 put the brakes on the gaming industry in the UK for several months, Saturday July 4 was a significant day for companies within that sector, with many venues re-opening to the public.
German gaming and gambling company, Gauselmann group, has gone one step further by investing in the high street and launching its Merkur Slots brand nationally. Brand-new venues in Southall, Hornchurch and Lancaster opened on Saturday July 4, with three more venues planned to open on Saturday July 11 in Saltash, Bolton and then Wolverhampton on July 15.
Speaking about the new venues, Mark Schertle COO, said: “This is a very exciting time for the Merkur Slots brand. So many companies haven’t survived the effects of the pandemic and we are delighted to be able to give customers a brand-new experience in locations where we don’t currently have a presence. It means a lot to us to be part of kick-starting the high street again and supporting the local community with new job opportunities.”
Merkur Slots provides the latest in digital venues. All machines and advertising are fully digitised and customers will be able to enjoy all of their favourite games, as well as the latest in Blueprint games.
All venues will be Covid-secure, with Gauselmann group implementing an “Open, clean, safe” campaign which will focus heavily on ensuring new safety precautions are in-place and everything is communicated effectively with customers, via social channels and the official website. The senior management team will continue to heed official government advice and will regularly monitor, and adjust the plan, over the coming weeks and months. Safety measures inside the venue include Perspex screens, full machine cleans between customers, sanitise stations, masks and social distancing measures.
Gauselmann group plans to open many more Merkur Slots venues across the UK this year.
Mr. Schertle continued: “We look forward to welcoming customers back to gaming after a small hiatus and we feel we have a unique edge in that we can offer them brand-new, modern venues that have been designed with social distancing in mind. Customers can game with total confidence. Thank you to all our staff who have worked tirelessly to get the venues up and running ahead of opening.”
