Arcades

What began in Delmenhorst has developed into the market leader

Under the logo of the smiling MERKUR sun, the MERKUR GROUP operates over 800 arcades both domestically and in European countries. The foundation for this development was laid by Paul Gauselmann in 1974 with the opening of his first own arcade in Delmenhorst, Lower Saxony. In the same year, he founded what is now MERKUR CASINO GmbH, the operating company for domestic MERKUR arcades. Today, the company is the market leader and operates around 350 of its own locations in Germany under the MERKUR SPIELHALLE brand.

European-wide success

The first arcade in a European country outside of Germany was opened in Amsterdam in 1986. With over 450 arcades and almost 15,500 gaming machines, MERKUR CASINO is now successful in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, Croatia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Serbia. The economically largest and most important markets include the United Kingdom with around 230 branches and 7,800 gaming machines, and Serbia with 175 branches and nearly 6,500 machines. The group thus ranks among the largest and most successful operators of arcades in all of Europe.

An excellent success concept

The success of MERKUR CASINOS is based on the concept introduced by Paul Gauselmann in 1974, which includes first-class ambiance, innovative products and games, excellent service, and highly trained staff. To this day, these factors are implemented in all of the company's arcades, always taking into account the respective country-specific target groups and their needs.

In 2022, MERKUR CASINO was named 'Top National Employer' for the eighth consecutive year by FOCUS BUSINESS magazine. In addition, MERKUR CASINO ranks fifth in the top 50 employers in Germany, and in the 'Trade and Consumer' sector, the company secured first place for the umpteenth time.

MERKUR GASTRO

In addition to operating its own arcades, the MERKUR GASTRO brand encompasses the placement of gaming and entertainment machines in gastronomy and takeaway businesses, as well as at rest and fuel stations along motorways, by combining numerous individual companies.