Espelkamp/Sofia. The first electronic casino was opened in the Bulgarian capital Sofia under the label PALMS MERKUR CASINO. MERKUR CASINO, a subsidiary of the internationally active GAUSELMANN Group, signed a cooperation agreement with the Bulgarian company Casino Technology, which now after local construction bears the first trend-setting mutual gaming-hall.

The new more than 600 square meter casino is based in the modern hotel complex ‘Expo’ in the best city location in Sofia, next to the exhibition center. It is operated by the Joint-Venture company ILP (International Leisure Project), which evolved from the partnership of MERKUR CASINO and Casino Technology. Apart from two roulette tables the product portfolio includes 66 other highly modern casino machines, among which also Gauselmann’s Merkur-Gaming and Atronic products are included, as well as an electronic poker machine. The piano bar is an extraordinary eye-catcher and underlines the extravagant comforting, and appealing interior of the first-class entertainment center. The clou of the brand-new design concept is a black piano, with a real built-in roulette wheel. A staff of 25 sees to the well-being of the patrons 24/7.

The GAUSELMANN Group, which proudly looks back to 50 years history this year, currently operates 270 entertainment centers in the European arena. Just in time for the anniversary of the company the family-managed Group generated consolidated revenues of more than EUR 1 billion in FY 2006. The GAUSELMANN Group employs more than 5,500 staff worldwide and is the only company in the German coin operated machine industry to be certified according to ISO DIN EN 9001:2000. In 10 European countries the friendly smiling MERKUR sun has become a popular lucky symbol and much coveted guarantor for innovative leisure time culture.