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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
50 Years of MERKUR CASINO: 1994–2003
Look back with us on 50 years enjoying the game.
approx. 4 min.
50 Years of MERKUR CASINO: 1994–2003
The Third Decade
MERKUR International
Between 1994 and 2003, the company focused heavily on growing its footprint and expanding its operations globally.
Browse through our gallery to see how the iconic smiling MERKUR Sun has brought joy to various locations across Europe. MERKUR Sun in Europe.
1/6 Hradec-Kralove (Czech Republic)
2/6 Kladno (Czech Republic)
3/6 Liberec (Czech Republic)
4/6 Pilsen (Czech Republic)
5/6 Prag Cerny Most (Czech Republic)
6/6 Rotterdamm Keerweer (Netherlands)
To diversify the experience, some locations introduced gastronomic elements like “Sunny World” and “Billy’s Sportsbar,” serving as testing grounds for new concepts. This allowed guests to enjoy live sporting events on large screens, with “Sunny’s Bar” paving the way for the modern casino bars we see today.
The late 90s brought a fresh wave of interior themes, including “Casino Gold” and the “Pool Factory.” While the internal look evolved, the external branding—the blue background featuring the Sun and the MERKUR-SPIELOTHEK name—remained a constant. This era also saw a boost in marketing; new wall rails were installed for posters, and the company began using versatile display stands to share news and promotions with guests.
1/2 “Sunny’s Bar” served as the original inspiration for the casino bars guests enjoy today.The forerunner of today’s “Casino Bar”: “Sunny’s Bar”.
2/2 The food and drink selection was further enhanced by the addition of “Billy's Sportsbar.”“Billy's Sportsbar” was part of the gastronomic offering.
Employees and Service
Recognizing that great service starts with knowledge, the company placed a higher priority on customer consultation during its third decade. This led to the creation of specialized product training in Espelkamp, where employees spent a week learning the ropes to become certified gaming advisors before passing a final exam.
The guest experience in MERKUR Arcades was further polished with the introduction of refreshment vending machines. Additionally, branch managers were given a dedicated budget to provide complimentary snacks. To ensure a consistent experience, these snack and drink offerings were eventually standardized across the entire network.
1/3 Elements like these signs and decorations are strategically placed to welcome and guide visitors into the Arcade.Decorative elements and signage like this are designed to guide guests into the Arcade.
2/3 A look at the driving simulators that once brought excitement to “Sunny World” in Münster.Driving simulators in “Sunny World” in Münster.
3/3 Expanding the network: here is a glimpse of a new Arcade opening in Düren.New Arcades are opened, as here in Düren.
Gaming Machines 1994–2003
During the third decade, the company introduced 'fun games' that rewarded players with replay tokens, moving beyond simple points-based systems. While these were initially sourced from outside vendors, the company eventually began developing its own titles, such as the popular “Sekt oder Selters” (Champagne or Soda).
For those who love sports, many branches added billiards to their offering. The game became such a hit that the company started organizing the “Billiards Open,” a tournament where guests from various locations competed against each other, culminating in a national final.
1/6 Sparkling wine or Seltzer (1998)Sekt oder Selters (1998)
2/6 At the turn of the millennium, guests were particularly drawn to the high-energy gameplay of “Taifun Quick,” launched in 2002.At the beginning of the 2000s, the fast-paced games of the “Taifun Quick” (2002) are very popular with guests.
3/6 The Arcades also hosted competitive Skat tournaments, where the most skilled players could win cash prizes.In the Arcades, guests can take part in a prize Skat tournament, with the highest scorers enjoying cash winnings.
4/6 The year 1998 saw the debut of “Happy Touch,” the first computer-based offering. It became a crowd favorite by blending strategy, skill, and classic board game mechanics.In 1998, the “Happy Touch” is launched, running for the first time on a computer basis. This mix of skill, strategy, and board games proves very popular with guests.
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5/6 In 2001, “Happy Touch” evolved into “Trendy,” which boasted more advanced software and a more comfortable, ergonomic design for the players.In 2001, the “Happy Touch” successor “Trendy” is launched. The new amusement machine features, among other things, improved software and an ergonomic cabinet.
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6/6 The first Trendy tournament took place in Kassel in 2002. While the machines weren't linked at the time, the later introduction of “Trendy World” made networking possible.The first Trendy tournament in Kassel in 2002 takes place without networking of the machines; shortly afterwards, this becomes possible via “Trendy World”.
Did you know?
- To reward excellence, the “100 Percent Club” was established in 1994 to honor the managers of the most successful venues.
- In 1994, to celebrate Paul Gauselmann's 60th birthday, the city of Espelkamp renamed the street where Gauselmann AG (now merkur-official.de AG) was based to Merkur-Allee.
- During the mid-90s, karaoke studios became a new attraction in the venues, letting guests show off their vocals and even purchase a CD of their recording for a small fee.
- Prioritizing guest comfort, air conditioning systems were rolled out across the venues in the late 90s, quickly becoming a standard feature in every location.
- By the early 2000s, the company modernized its hiring process by expanding recruitment to the internet.
