50 Years of MERKUR Casino: 1984–1993

Suspended grid ceilings and sisal decorations continue to shape the interior design of the arcades. In exterior advertising, the MERKUR-SPIELOTHEK lettering against a blue background prevails.

For the exterior advertising of the branches, Paul Gauselmann develops poster frames with a film covering, allowing the content to be exchanged as needed. These form the basis for sales promotion activities (POS promotions).

Trend Colour: The first mandatory workwear is purple.

From 1987 onwards, all newly appointed branch managers and deputy branch managers (FLV) receive standardised training. The administrative part takes place mainly at a training centre in Trier, while the practical training is conducted at the MERKUR-SPIELOTHEK Kassel I.

In 1989, on the initiative of Michael Gauselmann, branch managers are provided with a company car for the first time. The first 25 Ford Fiestas are handed over at the branch managers’ meeting in Espelkamp. A further 25 car keys are presented each quarter, ensuring that in the end every branch manager has their own company car.

During the second decade, the manual system for recording customer complaints and machine malfunctions becomes obsolete, and handheld devices for mobile data collection are introduced for the technicians in the branches.

At the end of the 1980s, the Strategy Circle is established. It brings together up to 20 people – from technicians and branch managers to department heads and managing directors – who develop proposals for the company’s strategic direction. Among the developments of the Strategy Circle is, for example, the mission statement of CASINO MERKUR-SPIELOTHEK.

From 1992 onwards, branch managers are trained and further educated at the CASINO MERKUR-SPIELOTHEK training centre. At this time, the training centre is located at the Alter Markt in Lübbecke.

In 1984, another highlight from the Gauselmann product workshop is launched on the market: the “Saturn Venus Gold”. The focus of installations now increasingly shifts towards money gaming machines.

In 1986, Paul Gauselmann introduces a money gaming machine featuring card-flip technology. The idea for this new gaming technique comes to him while waiting at an airport, watching the small panels on the flight information boards flip over. The first of these machines is called “Grand Hand”, inspired by the Skat card game.

The “Multi Multi” from 1988 is the first money gaming machine with a double step on the risk ladder.

By the mid-1980s, points machines are introduced to the market. Earning additional winning points on these machines extends the game without the need for further coin insertion. A popular example is “Merkur Full House”, which is later continued under the name “Merkur Herz As”.

“Merkur Kreuz As” is the first money gaming machine to feature a screen.

At the International Trade Fair for Amusement and Vending Machines (IMA) in 1993, the sports shooting machine “Kimme + Korn” is presented and also proves popular in the gaming venues.

From Espelkamp to the world: MERKUR Arcades international.
In 1986, the MERKUR GROUP opens its first international entertainment centre in Amsterdam. This is followed by arcades in other European countries. In 2006, MERKUR CASINO GmbH is founded to further drive the international expansion of arcades.

As in the German market, the international strategy is based on the successful triad of highly trained staff, stylish interior design concepts, and the latest machines. The first international entertainment centres – just like those in Germany – are decorated with sisal wall panelling and orange ceiling rings.

From the very beginning, the friendly smiling MERKUR Sun has been part of it. Service – Atmosphere – Products: this remains the recipe for success across Europe to this day, with the range of offerings individually tailored to the needs of the respective local markets.