Merkur Casino to Reopen The Casino MK in Milton Keynes
Casino MK opened in 2013, becoming the second large licensed super casino in the United Kingdom. With a diverse offering that included slot machines, electronic games, table games, and poker tournaments, it aimed to provide a comprehensive gaming experience. The venue also featured live music and dining options at Clary’s Bar and Grill, making it a popular destination for both gamblers and casual visitors alike. The MK casino currently offers 24 live table games, 100 slot machines, 76 electronic betting stations and 4 sports betting stations. The casino offers a uniquely wide range of live table games and betting options, including Roulette, Blackjack, Punto Banco/Baccarat, Three Card Poker and Supper Wheel. In addition to Texas Holdem and Omaha, other cash games are offered in Mixed Games or Dealer’s Choice.
In May 2025, its parent company,Merkur Group, received approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission, allowing it to re-enter the U.S. casino market after more than 20 years. That license also paved the way for Merkur’s pending acquisition of Gaming Arts, a Las Vegas-based supplier with regulatory approvals in over 155 jurisdictions. Merkur Casino UK, which runs bingo halls and adult gaming centers across the country, finalized the acquisition and has already begun preparations for the reopening.
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- MERKUR Casino UK has acquired The Casino MK in Milton Keynes, previously operated by Aspers, which shut its doors in April after entering administration.
- Dice manufacturing business Gaming Partners International (GPI) has been acquired by casino equipment company TCSJohnHuxley, adding to its production footprint and product portfolio.
A recruitment campaign is also underway, aiming not only to hire new staff but also to provide opportunities for some of the casino’s former employees. As well as operating more than 220 slot venues, Merkur Group already has a casino in the UK. The Casino MK was previously owned by Aspers UK Holdings, but administrators were appointed at the beginning of April as the company went into liquidation. The Casino MK, part of the Xscape leisure centre at Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, has been bought by German-based gambling company Merkur Group.
Milton Keynes Casino To Reopen Under Merkur Banner
Each type of game is offered, from the most timeless classics to the most modern variants. The venue also boasts a stylish bar and restaurant, offering a variety of delicious dishes and cocktails. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a more leisurely dining experience, The Casino MK has something for everyone.
Billy has diversified since then, branching out into blackjack, roulette and slots – and is even known to dabble in bingo from time to time. This means that best case (without cheating) you can keep the house edge as low as 0.51%. There are a host of side bets available with jackpots often in 5 figure territory however the house edge on these side bets is over 23%. The Casino MK is a spacious, well-decorated casino spread over the accessible ground floor. As an Aspers casino, the Casino MK feels more upmarket than your typical Grosvenor or Genting casino, which is reflected in the enforcement of the dress code, as mentioned above. InterGaming is the leading magazine covering the international land-based casino and gaming industry.
- The dress code at The Casino MK is in play as part of Aspers desire to keep the atmosphere fun for all their guests and generally maintain a respectable atmosphere.
- Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer looking for a night of fun, our casino provides the perfect setting for excitement, elegance, and extraordinary moments.
- Poker has always had a large presence at The Casino MK due to the large poker room located at the back of the casino.
Aspers Casino MK is a great alternative for those looking for a nice casino with a good atmosphere and poker scene, but would rather not travel into London to attend the Aspers Stratford casino. Everyone who works at the Casino MK is friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to help. The staff’s warmth and willingness to banter with the patrons is undoubtedly one of the reasons for the large number of regulars who reliably attend the casino every week. Unfortunately, the casino’s financial records indicate a lack of profitability over the years, with an average of only 500 guests per day who each incur a loss of approximately GBP50 (US$70). The original concept was to position the casino as an entertainment destination rather than focus as a gambling facility, but this strategy has not yielded the desired results.
Every detail is captured and transmitted with precision, enhancing the immersion of the game. It now has an annual turnover of more than €3billion per annum with sports betting, online, slots divisions, as well as its expanding portfolio of retail and new casinos. Despite struggling with a few issues – most notably staffing issues which detract from what would be an amazing poker scene – The Casino MK is well worth a visit. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and you’ll rarely get any trouble there. From Blackjack through roulette and even poker, you’ll find a host of reasonably priced, affordable games – and the same goes for food and drinks. On April 8, the administrators were officially appointed, initiating a process that could potentially lead to a sale of the casino or its assets.
This expansion reflects Merkur’s ambition to become a key player in the global gaming industry. Industry analysts have interpreted the latest move as a sign of Merkur’s confidence in the long-term future online casino of the land-based gaming market, even as the wider UK casino sector faces challenges. The reopening in Milton Keynes reinforces the company’s broader UK growth strategy, showing a commitment to both regional economies and the wider casino industry. The acquisition of The Casino MK represents Merkur’s second casino property in the United Kingdom, following the launch of its Aberdeen site in 2023. That venue, according to Merkur, has already demonstrated the appeal of combining traditional gaming tables, slot offerings, and hospitality under one roof.
Be careful though, playing slots is the quickest way to lose money in the casino, so be sure not to spend all of your time on them. Always remember to use your players card when playing slots, as you’ll be losing a lot of money in the long run so it is very worthwhile to claim some of that back through the reward points. Slots at Aspers are provided by Novomatic and are generally similar to those found throughout the UK.
As the only casino in Milton Keynes, the Casino MK offers everything you’d expect, such as blackjack, roulette and slot machines, though it also benefits from a large poker room for tournaments and a lively main-floor cash game. Players can interact with dealers and other players through the live chat feature, making the gaming experience more social and interactive. This real-time interaction brings a dynamic gaming environment that is both realistic and enjoyable.
This approach not only fosters goodwill but also strengthens the casino’s ties to the local area. “Nevertheless, together with the entire industry, we remain confident in the long-term prospects of the German gaming market. Merkur recently re-entered the US market, while the Milton Keynes site will be the second venue in the UK, after Merkur’s Aberdeen casino launch in 2023. You will immediately get full access to our online casino forum/chat plus receive our newsletter with news & exclusive bonuses every month.
Mark Schertle highlighted the company’s vision for growth within the UK casino market, stating, “We see real potential for casino growth across the UK. If you would like to play cash games and feel intimidated by higher stakes or would like to learn the game in a lower stake environment then the MK 25p game is a great way to get up to speed in a live poker environment. Table games are the essence of strategic and skill-based gaming for the Mk sports online app.
Poker has always had a large presence at The Casino MK due to the large poker room located at the back of the casino. Currently, the poker offering is very limited with only 2 tournaments per week which are super turbo (15 minute level) self-dealt shove fests. The casino will only run a maximum of 4 cash tables at any one time due to staff shortages.
The dress code at The Casino MK is in play as part of Aspers desire to keep the atmosphere fun for all their guests and generally maintain a respectable atmosphere. Dress as if you were going to a cocktail bar, or a nice restaurant, and you won’t have any problems. The Casino MK is an Aspers-operated casino in Milton Keynes, UK in the Xscape leisure centre. The Casino MK opened in 2000, and has been recently refurbished to a high standard in line with the other Aspers casinos in Stratford, Northampton and Newcastle.