Merkur Slots Proposition for Northampton

German gambling giant Gauselmann Group is asking for permission to transform a vacant retail unit in the English town of Northampton into a Merkur Slots-branded adult gaming center with free coffee for punters.

The Espelkamp-headquartered operator has filed an official change-of-use application with West Northamptonshire Council in hopes of being able to convert the site of a former Ann Summers shop into a gambling-friendly venue, offering those over the age of 18 the chance to enjoy a range of slots with jackpots of up to $630.

Modest Maneuver

The Northampton Chronicle & Echo reports the plan from Gauselmann Group would see the unoccupied unit on Abington Street become an around-the-clock adult gaming center featuring slots with stakes as low as around twelve cents. 

The firm also responded to anti-gambling campaigners by asserting the envisioned Merkur Slots venue would not offer any of the controversial fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) but instead have a large array of bingo tablets and machines.

Gauselmann Group's latest move reflects their ongoing growth strategy. 

They already operate a small Merkur Slots-branded venue on this same pedestrianized section of Abington Street and declared such enterprises ‘serve as places for individuals to enjoy their favourite pastimes, including playing bingo and spending spare change’. 

Their recent developments also include new slots venue in Ayr.

West Northamptonshire Council has set a target final decision date of Friday but this could be missed should any substantial objections arise.

Constructive Campaign

Responsible for some 220 Merkur Slots-branded venues across the United Kingdom, Gauselmann Group explained the Northampton scheme is part of a $6.3 million plan to expand and renovate its entire estate over the course of the next year. 

The operator asserted that the envisioned relocation to a larger town center site would create jobs and help to support the local economy of Northampton, which is home to approximately 250,000 people.

“The principle of the proposed change of use is entirely acceptable and the proposal will protect and enhance the vitality and viability of this part of the town center,” read a statement from Gauselmann Group. 

“The proposal involves the bringing back of a long-standing vacant unit into beneficial/commercial use, which will trigger several economic benefits, and allow an established operator within this part of the town center to relocate and continue contributing to the center.”

Announced Antagonism 

However, not everyone is pleased with the proposal from Gauselman Group, with local councillor Danielle Stone having described the idea as ‘very disappointing’. The Labour politician represents the English town’s central Castle ward and told the newspaper Northampton needs ‘ethical investors’ who believe in ‘a vision of thriving communities’.

“We do not need another casino in the town center,” Stone said.

“The $15 million redevelopment of the town center needs to be matched by investors offering a mix of retail and services that bring the people in.”

In response, Gauselman Group declared it has never had an operational license rescinded, while the 24-nature of its planned Merkur Slots-branded adult gaming center should be considered acceptable ‘given the nature of the proposal and the commercial context of the site’.