First Merkur Bets betting shop opened

Even in times when online sports betting platforms are available everywhere and at all times, real betting shops are still a big hit. Placing bets on site can have certain advantages and a special charm. The Merkur gaming group also recognises this with its Merkur Bets sports betting. The brand's first betting shop opened at the beginning of July. Find out all about it here!

The slot machine giant Gauselmann, or today's Merkur Group, has been active on the German sports betting market since 2013. The Merkur Bets brand was launched in 2024 and is practically the successor to XTip. The new name is intended to emphasise fundamental product changes and improvements, including online registration, navigation and payments. We reported in detail on the rebranding of XTip to Merkur Bets in April of this year.

In the press release in question, Stefan Bruns, Chief Online Gaming and Sports Betting Officer of the Merkur Group, said:

"The rebranding of XTip to Merkur Bets is not only a fresh start in terms of name, it also offers the opportunity to establish a retreaded approach to sports betting within the Merkur Group. Following the renaming of the Gauselmann Group to the Merkur Group, this logical step underlines the unity and appeal of the Merkur brand and makes a clear commitment to sports betting."

The name and concept change not only affected or affects the online business, but also Gauselmann's local sports betting offices. Previously, these operated in Germany under the well-known XTip brand. Now they are apparently to be gradually reorganised. As can be read in the official press release, more is being adapted than just the brand sign at the entrance.

First Merkur Bets shop launches in Duisburg with a lot of fanfare

On Saturday, 6 July, the time had come: Germany's first Merkur Bets store opened in Duisburg's Friedrich-Wilhelm-Straße. The shop covers a whopping 400 square metres. According to the official statement, it offers "a stylish ambience with a first-class stationary betting offer at a total of 31 betting terminals".

In addition to the new design and set-up, a number of specials had been devised for the opening ceremony: "Brand new video walls, attractive prizes and a DJ to create a good atmosphere" were intended to entice visitors. A football slot machine was set up and a competition was organised in which attendees could win a Playstation 5 and VIP tickets for the Parookaville festival, among other things. As we recently reported, Merkur was present at Parookaville for the second time this year with its mobile casino and appears to be expanding its activities in this area.

Philipp Lorenz, Operational Managing Director of Merkur Sportwetten GmbH, who was also on site, expressed his complete satisfaction:

"We are delighted to celebrate the opening of our branch in Duisburg and to offer our customers an exceptional sports betting experience under the name Merkur Bets. Our aim is to provide them with an attractive and secure platform for sports betting."

And what's new at the Merkur Bets shop in Duisburg?

The betting shop in Duisburg's Friedrich-Wilhelm-Straße is actually not a completely new establishment. The shop previously operated under the old XTip brand. The premises have remained the same. Nevertheless, the Merkur Group explains in its press release that there are certain innovations that should make the location more attractive:

"In addition to the introduction of modern video technology to show live broadcasts and a change in colour scheme, the extensive renovation work at the sports betting shop on Friedrich-Wilhelm-Straße also includes a new room concept and the purchase of high-quality furniture."

What are the special attractions of betting at local bookmaker stores?

Although betting online is convenient and easy, local bookmaker shops offer some outstanding and unique added values - at least if they are really well customised to the needs of their customers and have attentive, customer-oriented and experienced staff.

Firstly, the physical presence of a betting shop creates a social experience that cannot be replicated online. This is where like-minded people come together to share tips or predictions and experience the excitement of betting games together in real time. On the other hand, bettors benefit from personal advice from the staff, who can spice up the tips here and there with empirical values - but in any case can help with the correct use of the terminals.

Another advantage that is often overlooked is the immediate payout of winnings in cash, which are available in the store straight away, whereas online payouts can sometimes take time. In addition, local bookmaker stores sometimes offer exclusive promotions and, in some cases, events that are specially designed for the local community and are not available online. All of these aspects help to ensure that betting locally remains a special experience.

Conclusion

Image source: Pressebild Merkur Group von https://merkur.group/presse/meldungen-und-neuigkeiten/pressemitteilungen/2024-07-10-deutschlandweit-erster-shop-von-merkur-bets-er%C3%B6ffnet.html