Merkur has expanded its UK casino presence through the acquisition of the Victoria Gate Casino in Leeds.
The location is one of the biggest casinos in the UK and was opened in 2016 as part of the wider Victoria Gate retail and leisure project. The casino was owned and operated by a subsidiary of VGC Developments Ltd until the acquisition by Merkur for an undisclosed price.
Merkur now owns three casinos in the UK, and the Leeds venue will sit alongside its casino in Aberdeen and Casino MK in Milton Keynes, which was acquired by Merkur last year.
Mark Schertle, chief operating officer for Merkur Casino UK, emphasised that the acquisition demonstrates the company’s confidence in the UK’s land-based sector, despite the headwinds felt across the gambling industry and wider UK high street due to potential tax hikes and changes to regulation.
Schertle said: “Leeds is a vibrant city with a strong hospitality and entertainment scene, and we believe Victoria Gate Casino represents an exciting opportunity for Merkur as we continue to grow our UK casino portfolio. We remain committed to investing in quality leisure venues and supporting the future of land-based gaming in the UK.”
No fear in the UK
Concerns have been raised that Labour’s prospective new leadership, led by Andy Burnham, could back a Social Market Foundation proposal to hike Machine Games Duty on Category B machines from 20% to 40%.
Though no indication has been given on the preferences of the government, Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive Officer of the Betting and Gaming Council, warned that the move would lead to significant job losses and weaken the UK high street.
The move of Merkur underpins that the appetite in the UK high street is unwavering amidst speculation over further regulatory changes.
Troubled past
Operations within the Victoria Gate Casino went under the microscope in November 2025 after the Gambling Commission suspended the venue’s licence due to concerns over the implementation of anti-money laundering procedures and controls.
At the time, the GC said that serious concerns regarding “the adequacy of decision-making processes and the Licensee’s response to identified anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing risks” were identified.
However, in the same month, VGC Leeds Limited’s licence was reinstated after the GC confirmed widespread changes had been made by the operator to its leadership, AML and compliance supervisors and AML and safer gambling policies.
Merkur confirmed that it will retain ‘all experienced team members’ as part of the transition, and the venue will be closed until 13 July to allow for a handover and ‘enhancements in line with Merkur’s brand standards’.
“Customers are looking for high-quality entertainment experiences, and our focus is on delivering a modern casino environment that combines great gaming, hospitality and customer service. We’re excited about the opportunities in Leeds and look forward to becoming part of the city’s leisure landscape,” added Schertle.
