UK Adult Gaming Centre group’s survey on safety

One of the UK’s largest chains of adult gaming centres (AGCs), the Praesepe portfolio, part of the Gauselmann Group, will reopen its Merkur Cashino locations on June 15, following the gradual lifting of precautions.

The group has held a survey among its customers online, asking them what safety measures they wished to see in the venues and what they missed most about the gaming industry. The results, said the company, showed that most people missed visiting their local Cashino for its social element. They missed the conversations they had with friendly staff, plus the thrill of potentially winning.

As for safety measure, Praesepe’s customers said that they wanted a limit to the number of people permitted inside at one time, plus hand sanitation facilities and the regular cleaning of both machines and surfaces.

“An overwhelming number of customers were quick to point out that they felt Cashino venues were already kept very clean and that, if these high standards were maintained, or indeed bettered, they would feel at ease when returning. They recommended that staff wear personal protection equipment.”

On the company’s plans for reopening, Mark Schertle, COO said: “The results of the survey have been reassuring because it’s good to know that we have such a loyal following of customers. We have worked really hard to create a reopening plan. We remain vigilant regarding the government guidelines and, whilst we are eager to kick-start the gaming industry, we are mindful that this must be timed perfectly.”

He continued: “Some of the safety measures we will be rolling out will include all venues receiving a deep clean ahead of reopening and layouts changed to adhere to social distancing guidelines. In our Cashino venues for example, we will be placing machine guards, at the sides of machines, which will be cleaned between customers, and face masks will be provided for our teams. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our customers, and staff, for bearing with is and trusting that we are doing our best to ensure we can continue to entertain customers, whilst protecting them, so they can play safe and stay safe.”

Praesepe operates 160 adult gaming centres, five FECs, five bingo clubs and 24 tanning salons.