Merkur Slots UK: Fine for violations of social responsibility
The UK Gambling Commission fined Merkur Slots UK £95.450 (around $119.000) after finding breaches of social responsibility obligations in the case of a player who lost a total of £1 at a Merkur arcade in Stockport between November 3 and 2023, 1.981, without any intervention from the operator.
The investigation revealed that the customer completed two extended gaming sessions. Despite these extended gaming sessions, no intervention was made by Merkur Slots staff. This violates the Licensing Conditions and Code of Conduct (LCCP), which stipulate that land-based gaming operators must identify risky gaming behavior and intervene accordingly.
equal treatment of online and offline providers
The Gambling Commission emphasised in its decision that land-based gambling operators are subject to the same high standards as online operators. Yesrew Rhodes, CEO of the Gambling Commission, commented on the decision, saying:
"This was a clear case of an operator failing to comply with the rules designed to protect consumers from harm. Over the past few years, we have seen several cases of online gambling companies failing to meet their social obligations - this case shows that land-based operators also need to ensure that their customers are not harmed by gambling."
He also stressed that all gaming companies must not only implement appropriate loss prevention policies and procedures, but should also ensure that they train their staff accordingly to implement them effectively.
Merkur Slots in German-speaking countries
Merkur is one of the best-known gaming brands in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The operator, which belongs to the Gauselmann Group, operates numerous gaming halls and offers a wide range of slot machines. Classic slots such as Eye of Horus Tablets of Destiny, Blazing Star or El Torero, which can be played in gaming arcades and online casinos alike.
While regulators in the UK are enforcing increasingly strict social responsibility measures, Merkur Slots is also facing regulatory challenges in German-speaking countries. In Switzerland, for example, laws and rules are strictly monitored and controlled by the Federal Gaming Commission.
Impact on Merkur Group
This sanction against Merkur Slots UK comes at a time of significant changes in the company. Merkur Group recently announced leading personnel changes effective from January 2025. This could impact the company's future strategic direction, particularly in relation to regulatory compliance in various markets.
The case of Merkur Slots UK shows that gambling regulators are taking increasingly strict measures to ensure player protection in land-based establishments. Merkur Slots and other providers are therefore faced with the challenge of consistently implementing their social responsibility obligations. This means that both regulatory requirements and the expectations of players must be taken into account. In German-speaking countries, Merkur remains one of the defining brands in the gambling sector, but must also adapt to the changing legal framework.
