MERKUR Casino UK Acquires Victoria Gate Casino Leeds

MERKUR Casino UK has strengthened its presence in the UK land-based gaming market by acquiring Victoria Gate Casino in Leeds.

Situated within the Victoria Gate retail and leisure complex in Leeds city centre, the casino was previously operated by a subsidiary of VGC Developments Ltd.

The venue temporarily closed on 6 July to allow for the ownership transition and is expected to reopen on 13 July under the MERKUR brand. As part of the acquisition, MERKUR confirmed that all existing employees will remain in their roles.

Following the reopening, the operator intends to roll out its customer loyalty programme while carrying out venue improvements that align with MERKUR’s brand standards. Guests will continue to enjoy a range of gaming options, including blackjack, poker, roulette and slot machines.

The deal marks MERKUR’s third casino property in the UK. It follows the launch of Aberdeen Casino in 2023 and the acquisition of Casino MK in Milton Keynes in 2025. According to the company, the purchase supports its long-term expansion strategy and demonstrates its ongoing commitment to investing in the UK’s land-based casino sector.

Mark Schertle, Chief Operating Officer of MERKUR Casino UK, 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."

He added:

"We are also pleased to be able to support local jobs and retain all experienced team members whose passion and professionalism helped make the casino such a well-established destination. We are focused on investing in the venue and look forward to reopening the doors and introducing customers to the MERKUR experience in the months ahead."

Mark further commented:

"The acquisition of Victoria Gate Casino reflects our confidence in the future of land-based casinos in the UK and our ambition to continue growing the MERKUR brand in key locations. 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."

Richard Noble, CEO of Victoria Gate Casino, also welcomed the transition:

"We are proud of what has been built at Victoria Gate Casino and are pleased to be working with MERKUR on the transfer of the venue. They share our commitment to delivering a high-quality customer experience and we look forward to seeing them continue the success of this venue."