Merkur Software Review and What It Has To Offer
As well as its online slots and gaming machines, Merkur also produces slot game cabinets for land-based casinos and other venues, and so has exceptional expertise in all aspects of the gaming industry.
In particular, Merkur’s presence has become significant in the UK through its more than 150 AGCs (adult gaming centres), with further new locations opening throughout the country in 2020 despite the lockdown restrictions in place at the time.
BEST MERKUR CASINO SITES
18+. New customers only. Opt in & deposit £10 in 7 days & wager 1x in 7 days on any casino game (excluding live casino & table games) for 100 Extra Spins. Wagering contributions vary. Extra Spins worth 10p each on Big Bass Splash. 3 day expiry. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org #AD
*18+. New players only. Min. deposit £20. Max. bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Winnings from Bonus spins credited as bonus funds and capped at £100. Bonus funds expire in 30 days, unused bonus funds will be removed. Welcome Offer is 100% match up to £200 plus 50 bonus spins on your 1st deposit, 50% match up to £50 on your 2nd deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 35x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds count towards wagering contribution. Affordability checks apply. Terms apply. Please gamble responsibly. Gambleaware.org. #AD
18+. £20 minimum deposits for offers. New players only. 1st deposit: 50% up to max £50+ 40 extra spins. 2nd deposit: 40 extra spins. 3rd deposit: 40 extra spins. 4th deposit: 50% bonus up to max £50 + 30 extra spins. Max bet limitations per spin apply. 35x wagering requirements apply (i.e the bonus x35). Higher wagering requirements may be applied depending on the games played. Full T&Cs apply. Please play responsibly. Gambleaware.org #AD
*18+. New customers. Opt-in required. 20 Bonus Spins on “Sahara Riches Cash Collect” at 10p per spin and 100% Deposit Bonus up to £25 on first deposit (payment method and play restrictions apply). Min. deposit £10. 30x wagering for Bonus Spins and Deposit Bonus (game weighting applies). Max. £5/spin or £0.50/line. 30 days expiry. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org. T&Cs apply #AD
*18+. New players only. One offer per player. Min Dep £10. Max bonus bet £5. This offer gives you a 100% match bonus up to £100 and 100 bonus spins. Bonus spins are valid on the following game(s) only: Gonzo’s Quest or Starburst. Bonus spins to be credited at a rate of 20 bonus spins per day over five days, triggered on your first deposit. Bonus spins winnings credited in the form of bonus funds and capped at £50. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days and bonus spins within 10 days, otherwise any unused shall be removed. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds and are subject to 35x wagering on the value of the bonus funds and your cash deposit(s). Affordability checks apply. Terms apply. Play Responsibly. Gambleaware.org #AD
*18+. New bettors; Use code CASINO; Wager bonus 50x to release bonus winnings; Valid 30 days; Stake contribution, games and payment method exclusions apply; T&C apply; Please gamble responsibly. Gambleaware.org #AD
“18+.Significant terms: T&Cs apply. New reg only. Opt in & deposit either £10, £25 or £50 within 7 days & further 7 days to wager your deposit 35x to unlock reward (up to £50 for each of your first 2 deposits). Wagering/game contributions vary. 25 x 10p wager-extra spins added to Big Bass Splash with each qualifying deposit, 3 day expiry. Other Promotional Play Restrictions Apply. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware.org. #AD
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18+. New players only. Bonus code ‘NBWELCOME500’. New players, £10+ deposit, no e-wallets/prepaid cards, up to 500 Extra Spins, 40x Plt on Extra Spins winnings. Full T&Cs apply. Please play responsibly. Gambleaware.org #AD
*18+ New players only. Min Dep £20. Max Bonus Bet £5. Offer: 100% of 1st deposit up to £300 + 100 Zee Spins on Starburst (first 10 credited on 1st deposit; rest credited at 07:00GMT at 10/day) + 500 Zee Points. Spins expire after 23:59GMT on day they’re credited. Winnings from each 10 spins capped at £50 & credited as bonus. Bonus funds expire after 30 days, are separate to Cash funds, & subject to 35x wagering of bonus + deposit amounts. Affordability checks apply. Terms Apply Play Responsibly. Gambleaware.org #AD
*18+. New players only | No restrictions while playing with cash | Min. refund bonus is £10 | Wagering on bonus is 60x | Bonus based on 1st deposit lost | Max bet with bonus is £5 | Skrill and Neteller excluded | Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. Gambleaware.org #AD
18+. New players only. Min. dep £20. Max. bonus bet £5. 200 Bonus Spins on Book Of Dead on your 1st deposit. Winnings from all spins credited as bonus funds and capped at £20. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds & subject to wagering requirement (40x deposit plus bonus). Only bonus funds contribute towards wagering requirement. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days, spins within 72hrs. Affordability checks & Terms apply. Gambleaware.org. Please gamble responsibly. #AD
*18+.New Players Only. Wagering occurs from real balance first. 50X wagering the bonus. Contribution may vary per game. Available on selected games only. The wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 Days from receipt. Max conversion: 3 times the bonus amount or from extra spins: £20. Min Deposit £20. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply . Please play responsibly. Gambleaware.org #AD
*18+. New Players Only. Min. deposit £20. Max. bonus bet is £5. Bonus spins on selected games only and must be used within 72 hours. Winnings from Bonus spins credited as bonus funds and capped at £20. Bonus funds expire in 30 days, unused bonus funds will be removed. Welcome Offer is 100% match up to £300 plus 50 bonus spins on your 1st deposit. Bonus funds are separate to Cash funds, and are subject to 40x wagering the total bonus & cash. Only bonus funds count towards wagering contribution. Terms apply. Please gamble responsibly. Gambleaware.org. #AD
18+. New players only. Min Dep £20. Max Bonus Bet £5. Offer: 100% of 1st deposit up to £250 on Slots + 100 Yoo Spins on Starburst, Book of Dead, Fire Joker, Gonzo’s Quest, and Big Bass Bonanza, respectively (first 20 credited immediately upon first deposit; rest credited at 07:00 GMT at 20/day). Spins expire after 23:59GMT on day they’re credited. Winnings from each 20 spins capped at £50 & credited as bonus. Bonus funds expire after 30 days, are separate to Cash funds, & subject to 35x wagering of bonus + deposit amounts. Only bonus funds contribute to wagering requirements. Affordability checks apply.. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. Gambleaware.org #AD
18+. New players only. Min deposit £10. 100% up to £100 + 30 Bonus Spins on Reactoonz. Bonus funds + spin winnings are separate to cash funds and subject to 35x wagering requirement. Only bonus funds count towards wagering contribution. £5 bonus max bet. Bonus funds must be used within 30 days, spins within 10 days. Affordability checks apply. Terms Apply. Gambleaware.org Please gamble responsibly. #AD
This has meant that the Merkur name has become one of the best-known amongst UK slot players, and while it doesn’t have the same dominating presence in online slots sites, it is a brand whose games are always popular and synonymous with engaging gameplay and imaginative design.
As with other developers who also produce cabinet games (such as Barcrest), Merkur slots are often adaptations of existing games, which has the added advantage of familiarity when players come across them online.
If you’ve ever visited a Merkur AGC and want to check out its online games, you can play Merkur slots at our recommended UK online casinos.
Who is Merkur?
Since its inception, Merkur Gaming has been a prominent player in regulated online gaming markets in Europe and across the world, with its games appearing in a wide variety of leading online slots sites.
Produced in HD and with high quality visuals, the Merkur Gaming slots catalogue consists of a mix of low, medium and high volatility games, and so caters for the full range of playing tastes. One of the standout innovative features you’ll find in Merkur slots is random line games, where the number of active paylines is set randomly at the beginning of each spin (like in City Lights and Brilliant Sparkle), while at the same time the company’s long history is celebrated in its many games that feature classic slot machine symbols and gameplay.
While Merkur Gaming does not produce online progressive jackpot slots, and its catalogue doesn’t feature themed or branded slots, there are nevertheless many popular slot themes that players will recognise — like the classical world of Carthage Challenge, African wildlife in Savanna Stampede or ancient mythology in Coin of Gods — and so you will find plenty of engaging and familiar themes to accompany the high quality gameplay.
Along with slots, Merkur Gaming also produces other casino games, most notably several different versions of roulette, and so it has a strong presence in all aspects of online gaming.
Merkur Gaming has received several awards, and most recently its gaming halls were voted Germany’s Most Popular Venues by the business magazine Focus-Money in 2020.
Merkur Gaming Sites
Merkur Gaming online slots appear at many of the UK’s best-known slot sites, including most of our featured casinos below, and so if you haven’t already done so we would definitely recommend checking out its games for yourself. In particular, Merkur mobile slots offer an excellent gaming experience on smartphones and tablets, so you can enjoy high quality action on any device.
Best Merkur Gaming Sites
| Rank | Brand | Rating | Review | Welcome bonus | Play | T&C | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.2 | Read Review | ||||||
 | 4 | Read Review | ||||||
 | 4.5 | Read Review | ||||||
 | 4.5 | Read Review | Relaunched | |||||
 | 3.5 | Read Review | ||||||
 | 4 | Read Review | ||||||
 | 4.1 | Read Review | ||||||
 | 4.5 | Read Review | ||||||
 | 4.4 | Read Review | ||||||
 | 4.5 | Read Review |
The Hots and Nots of Merkur Gaming
Pros:
- Classic old school slots – Not all online software developers have old school, 3 reel slots and fruit machines in their catalogues, but as Merkur Gaming has a long history in producing cabinet slots for land-based casinos and AGCs, its range is bigger and better than most. If you like the more straightforward action offered by classic slots, then Merkur Gaming is a name you will come to know very well.
- Gamble feature – Another feature that Merkur Gaming has brought to its online slots from its cabinet games is the gamble feature, where you have the option to gamble any win to increase the size of the payout.
- Growing portfolio of games – Although the Merkur Gaming catalogue is not as large as some of the bigger producers, like NetEnt and Microgaming, there are nevertheless around 150 games to choose from, with enough variety in themes, game styles and special features to satisfy all playing tastes.
- Accessible slot games – Most Merkur Gaming slots offer a range of coin values and wager sizes, and while there are games for high rollers where you can bet significant sums on a single spin, at the same time there are also plenty of options to play slot games for minimal wagers, making its range of games accessible to all.
Cons:
- No progressive jackpot slots – Merkur Gaming does not have an online progress jackpot network, even though it does offer locally networked progressive jackpot slots in AGCs.
- No themed slots – Themed or branded slot games, based on TV shows, movies, video games and bands are very popular, but the current Merkur Gaming catalogue does not feature any themed slots at this point.
Merkur Games
Although the Merkur Gaming slots selection is not as large as some of the other producers that we feature here, there is nevertheless a substantial range of 150+ games that encompass a wide variety of game styles and themes, and so there is always plenty of choice and variety on offer.
Crystal Heart
A 5 reel, 3 row games where either 5, 10, 15 or 20 paylines can be played, Crystal Heart offers a wide range of coin sizes and wagers, and has a Surrounding Wild feature, where when a Wild symbol lands on the reels, adjacent symbols turn wild as well. The visuals and soundtrack are relatively low-key during base play, but the game bursts into life with animations and dynamic music on a winning spin.
Magic Mirror
Magic Mirror is set in a fairytale world of princesses, knights and unicorns, and is a 5 reel, 3 row 10 payline game with wilds, scatters and a free spins bonus round with expanding symbols. The game offers a good range of payouts and a 95.94% RTP, and for players who enjoy well-crafted games that offer straightforward gameplay with some additional bonus features, then Magic Mirror is a game that we suggest you check out.
Savanna Stampede
Featuring 5 reels, 3 rows, 10 paylines and a 96.15% RTP, the variety of coin sizes means this is a highly accessible game which is made all the more enjoyable by the well-crafted design. The highlight of the game is the Animal Stampede feature, where symbols can expand to cover entire reels, increasing the potential size of payouts.
Snow Wolf Supreme
This is probably one of Merkur’s best looking games, with its Arctic setting, parallax reels and beautifully drawn animal symbols. With 5 reels, 3 rows and up to 80 paylines, there are wild and scatter symbols as well as a 15 free spins bonus round, during which the number of paylines is automatically doubled. The music and soundtrack are impressive as well, and so the overall gaming experience is highly enjoyable.
Spirits of the East
An unusually configured 5 reel, 5 row game with 100 paylines, Spirits of the East is set in the ancient Orient, and features an engaging classical Chinese music soundtrack combined with colourful symbols. There is an innovative arrangement of the middle 9 symbols on the reels, where hitting the right Bonus symbols can trigger the free spins round. With wild and scatters as well, the gameplay is constantly changing and so there is plenty of engaging action to enjoy.
There is a good mix of gaming styles to choose from when you play Merkur Gaming slots, and while they might not be as visually stunning as games from other producers, they do nevertheless have high production values and the themes of its games are both popular and familiar. The fact that Merkur slots all offer a good range of coin and wager sizes means that they are accessible by most players, and the RTP is generally good and provides decent value.
Our final thoughts
For a younger generation of slot players, at first glance, there mightn’t be too much to get excited about with Merkur slots, but we think it is well worth your while to explore the catalogue in-depth, as there is far more variety and interesting gameplay on offer than it might appear.
Admittedly, the number of games isn’t as large or as impressive as you’ll find at some other studios, but with over 150 titles to choose from you will undoubtedly find plenty of Merkur Gaming slots that suit your playing tastes.
If you want to see more of the features and themes on offer, check out Merkur slots at our recommended UK online slot sites.
Author
Mark Angus is a professional writer and editor currently based in Adelaide and London. Mark writes on a variety of sports betting and gaming topics, most notably football and cricket (he has been a season ticket holder at Fulham for far too many years), as well as horse racing, in particular jumps racing. In addition, Mark produces website content, blogs and articles for a variety of publications, organisations and businesses, and has extensive experience in writing for all forms of online, print and broadcast media.
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