Merkur Spielbank holds grand opening for new casino in Monheim

Merkur Spielbank, a brand of the Gauselmann Group, celebrated last Thursday the debut of its new Monheim casino with a grand opening day ceremony. Over 1,700 guests attended the red carpet event, which featured game shows, celebrity guests, and a live concert. The company worked closely with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia to construct the new casino in just 11 months.

David Schnabel, Managing Director of Merkur Spielbank NRW, gave the opening speech: "Our goal was to create a casino experience with a difference. With this incomparable mix of classic table games, slots, and excellent gastronomy, we have definitely succeeded, and in record time."

David Schnabel

For his part, Paul Gauselmann, Chairman of the Management Board of the Gauselmann Group, added: "Gaming has defined my whole life. To now be opening Germany’s most modern casino here in Monheim is the greatest single achievement of my entire entrepreneurial career."

After the opening speeches, the casino was officially opened when the executive rolled the golden ball at the roulette wheel.  Play at the classic games tables thus opened for the evening to general applause.

Paul Gauselmann

Celebrity guests in attendance included “Let’s Dance” judge Motsi Mabuse, TV star Evelyn Burdecki and actors Muriel Baumeister, Janine Kunze, Andrej Mangold, and many more.

A particular highlight of the evening was the appearance on the show stage of art top star Leon Löwentraut at 8 p.m., described by Forbes magazine as a "global phenomenon."

Finally, show master Lukas Sauer and his assistant Steffi created a stadium-like atmosphere with their big jackpot show, in which the candidates played for a winning sum of 20,000 euros in cash. Afterward, a performance by Swiss pop singer Patric Scott provided a fitting musical backdrop for the party event.

Mayor Daniel Zimmermann

Mayor Daniel Zimmermann underscored the importance of the casino opening for the town of Monheim: "We are extremely proud that Monheim was chosen as the location for the fifth casino in NRW and that we can now boast a definite entertainment highlight in our town."

And at the end of the grand opening party, David Schnabel, gave it a big thumbs up: "We've had a terrific day today that we will all remember for a very long time. And the best part is – Winner Week is just getting started. The next few days also promise best live entertainment and gaming fun."