

Merkur Casino has ramped up its corporate social responsibility agenda by making a £2,000 donation to Glasgow-based charity Urban Roots. The charity was pinpointed by the gaming giant as it seeks to help isolated individuals and those living in deprived communities.
The donation will be used to empower residents to live more sustainable and healthier lifestyles by trying out a range of gardening and conservation activities. Merkur Casino has made it its goal to assist initiatives and make a serious impact.
Merkur’s commitment to supporting initiatives suggests their influence extends beyond the realm of gambling. Indeed, Urban Roots were quick to laud the help of Merkur, who are always looking to engage on a social basis.
Merkur’s Community programme has been primarily concerned with creating meaningful partnerships, with health and well-being deemed a priority. Urban Roots are the latest recipients of Merkur’s generosity, and Merkur’s Chief Operating Officer, Mark Schertle, explained why the company pledged money to the charity.
He said: “Urban Roots’ commitment to inclusivity, environmental regeneration and community health aligns perfectly with our values at Merkur.
“Through our Merkur Community Programme, we aim to build meaningful partnerships with organisations to improve local communities and Urban Roots embodies this aim perfectly.”
The donation to Urban Roots shouldn’t come as a surprise. Since launching its Community Programme in January 2024, Merkur has handed over £290,000 to over 130 initiatives.
Last month, Merkur donated £12,000 to MK Food Bank to support struggling families on low incomes in the Milton Keynes area. Donations have been made regularly to non-profit organisations and good causes, including local football clubs.
Recently, Merkur donated £1,200 through its Community Programme to support Newham Panthers FC to promote mental fitness through sport and empower young people aged 12-18 in East London.
At a time when the betting industry is feeling a pinch, given the constant debate and speculation about a prospective hike in gambling tax rises, it’s good to see Merkur make the headlines for the right reasons. Earlier this week, Merkur were in the spotlight after it emerged slot shop staff were allegedly incentivised through a bonus scheme linked to losses accrued by players, something Merkur strenuously denies.
It is widely believed an increase in gambling taxes would raise as much as £3 billion to help tackle child poverty. Merkur evidently hasn’t wavered from its core principles, and it has made plenty of progress over the past few months. The community aspect has certainly taken the focus away from any allegation levelled at them.
Away from meeting its designated community targets, Merkur has been trailing a blaze across the UK gaming industry, and it is committed to growth. The company announced that it has planted roots in Northern Ireland for the first time with the acquisition of Oasis Retail Services.
The deal, which was for an undisclosed amount, is significant as Oasis Retail Services is Northern Ireland’s largest gaming and machine player, operating 16 venues and several hundred machines in pubs and betting shops.
Speaking on the deal, Schertle added: “We are particularly pleased that Oasis has long operated to the same high standards that define Merkur. We will maintain and further develop this quality and reliability together - for the benefit of both employees and customers.”

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