The Casino MK in Milton Keynes, which shut its doors earlier this year, is preparing for a relaunch after being acquired by Merkur Casino UK. The company confirmed that the popular venue, located at the Xscape leisure complex on Marlborough Gate, will be reopening soon, following months of closure after its former operator, Aspers, went into administration in April.

New Ownership and Local Impact

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. 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 reported by Business MK, Chief Operating Officer Mark Schertle emphasized the importance of the venue to the local community, noting, “We are pleased to have the opportunity to bring The Casino MK into the MERKUR family. This venue has played a significant role in the local leisure and entertainment market. Our aim is to get the casino open again as quickly and smoothly as possible, and we are, of course, particularly proud to be bringing more jobs to Milton Keynes, which is also the home of our headquarters.”

The reopening is expected to create fresh employment opportunities while revitalizing Milton Keynes’ leisure sector, with the casino positioned once again as a hub for gaming, hospitality, and entertainment.

Once operational again, the casino will provide a full range of classic table games, including poker, roulette, and blackjack, alongside a modern collection of slot machines. The venue will also be updated to match Merkur’s design and operational standards, bringing a refreshed look and improved facilities for visitors.

Schertle added that the company sees strong demand returning to physical casinos. “People are looking for places to unwind and enjoy themselves, and that is exactly what we aim to deliver in Milton Keynes,” he said. “Our experience in Aberdeen has shown there is a strong appetite for the kind of experience we deliver – a blend of premium gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. We look forward to bringing that same approach to Milton Keynes.”

Expanding Merkur’s UK Presence

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.

Industry analysts have interpreted the latest move as a sign of Merkur’s confidence in the long-term future 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.

Merkur’s ambitions extend beyond the UK. 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.