Merkur Casinos Set to Launch onboard TUI Cruise Ships
Casino operator Merkur, part of the Gauselmann Group, has formed a partnership with cruise operator TUI Cruises. Under the brand "Casino Merkur Mare", they plan to open two ship casinos within the next two years.
Germany's top casino operator has acquired more licenses in the ship casino sector. To kickstart their collaboration, TUI Cruises' "Mein Schiff 1" and "Mein Schiff 2" will open two new ship casinos modeled after "Merkur Mare" on the high seas. "Mein Schiff 1" is set to launch in May of this year, and "Mein Schiff 2" will begin sailing from 2019. The 120-square-meter space will include slot machines, electronic roulette and blackjack tables with 14 seats, and a pusher machine. There will also be driving simulators for children, outside the casino area.
Merkur spokesperson Kathy Schröder shared in a press release that their employees working at the ship casinos have completed "intensive training to be fully prepared for their role at Casino Merkur Mare and to meet the specific demands of working in a ship casino".
Dieter Kuhlmann, CEO of Spielbetriebe Gauselmann, is excited about the deal, calling it "a significant milestone in the Gauselmann Group's 60-year history". Given the increasing regulations in Germany's gaming industry, Kuhlmann believes this move is critical: "The collaboration with TUI Cruises is another step towards internationalizing the gaming operations division for the Gauselmann Group."
Merkur is actively exploring ways to boost their presence in the marine casino sector, as seen by their previous partnership with Spanish shipping company "Pullmantur Cruceros", which resulted in the creation of four ship casinos between 2016 and 2017. Merkur runs another casino on the "MV Zenith," a 500 square meter area with 70 employees, boasting live blackjack, American roulette, poker, and wheel games, as well as sports betting, bingo shows, and online gaming.
Compared to the extensive offerings on the "MV Zenith," the TUI cruise ships provide a more modest gaming experience. Established in 2008 as a joint venture of TUI AG, TUI Cruises is the youngest cruise brand in Germany. The company's fleet currently boasts six cruise ships - "Mein Schiff 1" to "Mein Schiff 6". Kuhlmann sees potential in this alliance and is looking to expand: "The ship casino segment offers a chance to make Merkur's presence known internationally, further solidifying the gaming operations division within the Gauselmann Group. We hope to grow this even more in the coming years."
With Kuhlmann's optimistic outlook, it seems likely the sun symbol of Merkur will increasingly find a home on luxury liners sailing the high seas. Although it may not cause sunburn, the experience might still sting in certain situations.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
