Whilst Covid-19 put the brakes on the gaming industry in the UK for the majority of 2020, many venues are now reopening again after lockdown two to the public.
Milton Keynes-based Praesepe, part of the Gauselmann group, has gone one step further by investing in the high street, launching their MERKUR Slots brand nationally. Their brand-new Basingstoke venue on Wote Street will open to the public as of today and create 8-12 jobs.
peaking about the new venue, 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, such as Basingstoke 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. We are hoping to create at least 180 jobs by the end of this year with the new venue now open and planned.”
MERKUR Slots provides the latest in digital venues. All machines 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 are Covid-secure, with Gauselmann group implementing an “Open, clean, safe” campaign which focuses heavily on ensuring safety precautions are in-place and everything is communicated effectively with customers, via social channels and the official website. During lockdown 2 all staff were further trained in preparation to open again. 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.
Mark continued: “We look forward to welcoming customers back to gaming once more 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.”
