Hollywood Legend Patrick Duffy to Open New Merkur Casino in Siegburg

Siegburg is preparing for a touch of Hollywood as a new premier gaming destination nears completion. The Merkur Group has announced a spectacular opening ceremony for its latest land-based casino, featuring international television legend Patrick Duffy. Known worldwide for his role as Bobby Ewing in the hit series Dallas, Duffy will be joined by his wife, actress Linda Purl, to celebrate the venue's debut. This high-profile visit marks a significant marketing milestone for the German gaming giant.

The opening festivities are designed as a three-day festival concluding on December 12, 2026. For Merkur, this launch represents more than just a geographical expansion; it is a statement of intent regarding the future of high-quality, land-based entertainment. The presence of a global star of Duffy's caliber emphasizes the premium nature of the Siegburg location and its role in the regional economy.

Numbers and facts

The project's statistics are a testament to efficient industrial planning. Between the groundbreaking ceremony in late March 2025 and the scheduled opening in December 2026, only about 20 months elapsed. This rapid development has resulted in a modern facility spanning approximately 1,600 square meters of gaming space. Guests can look forward to a diverse mix of traditional roulette and card tables, alongside roughly 250 state-of-the-art slot machines.

Investment figures are equally substantial. The Merkur Group has committed over €35 million to this project in North Rhine-Westphalia. As the sixth state-licensed casino operated by the group in this federal state, the Siegburg venue is a pillar of their regional strategy. Furthermore, the establishment of this casino is generating around 100 new jobs, providing a welcome boost to the local labor market.

Background

David Schnabel, the Merkur Group board member in charge of the casino division, views live entertainment as an essential part of the company's core values. He insists that from the very first day, the goal is to provide guests with an experience that goes far beyond simple gambling.

“Live entertainment is part of the DNA of Merkur casinos. From Day One, we want to offer our guests in Siegburg more than just a first-class gaming experience: extraordinary show moments and memorable entertainment. With Patrick Duffy, we are welcoming a true Hollywood legend to the opening, someone who has made television history for decades.” - David Schnabel, Merkur Group Board Member

For Duffy and Linda Purl—famous for her roles in Matlock and Happy Days—this visit is a personal milestone as well. It marks their first joint appearance at a public event in Germany. By leveraging such celebrity power, Merkur aims to position its casinos as lifestyle destinations rather than just gambling halls.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the opening of a state-licensed casino is a guarantee of safety and integrity. Unlike offshore operators, these venues operate under the strict supervision of the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV). While online gaming is regulated by the GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the States), land-based casinos offer a physical environment where player protection is managed through face-to-face interaction and rigorous ID checks.

Every visitor to the Siegburg casino will be registered in the OASIS nationwide player blocking system. This ensures that vulnerable individuals are protected. While online slots in Germany are limited to a €1 stake per spin, land-based casinos offer different betting structures while maintaining a high level of social responsibility. For German residents, this means having a local, legal, and safe option for high-end gaming.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The €35 million investment proves that land-based casinos remain a vital part of the ecosystem, even as GGL-licensed online platforms grow. The Merkur Group, a major player in both sectors, uses these physical locations to build brand trust. For online-only operators, this means the bar for quality and customer service continues to rise. Players who value the atmosphere of a real casino are less likely to settle for subpar digital experiences.

This expansion in Germany follows Merkur’s recent growth in the UK, where it opened several Merkur Slots venues earlier this year. This dual-market strategy shows that the group is focused on regulated markets where legal certainty prevails. For players, the message is clear: stick to licensed providers—whether online or land-based—and avoid the risks associated with unregulated black-market sites.