Winterthur – There are places that tell a story as soon as you enter them. And there are places that are radically focused on the future, gleaming and full of technological promise. Rarely, however, does the symbiosis of the two succeed as seamlessly and impressively as in the Lokstadt Winterthur. I had the opportunity to be there for the grand opening of the new Swiss Casino Winterthur and witness how a new chapter in Swiss entertainment history was opened in the historic “Halle Rapide” – affectionately known as the “Habersack” in local parlance.
What has been created here is much more than a classic casino. As CEO Marcel Tobler aptly put it in his opening speech, it is a “bold attempt” to merge modern gaming culture with industrial DNA. The following report takes you on a journey through an evening full of emotions, impressive architecture, and a clear commitment to the city of Winterthur.
Architecture: A casino with industrial DNA
As soon as you enter the hall, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary casino layout. The “Halle Rapide” is steeped in history. Where locomotives were once built and tons of steel were processed, there is now a modern entertainment landscape that does not hide its origins, but celebrates them.
The first thing that catches your eye and takes your breath away is the sheer size of the room. The high ceilings with their historic wooden structures and massive steel beams give the room a sense of space that is rarely found in the often cramped, windowless world of casinos. The most striking feature is undoubtedly the preserved yellow industrial cranes that run across the hall. They are not just decoration, they are authentic witnesses to history. One of these cranes no longer carries machine parts, but a gigantic 15-ton chandelier that hangs above the scene.
Another architectural highlight that immediately caught my eye is the cloakroom. Instead of a mundane counter, an original rust-brown SBB freight car has been integrated into the hall. On its side are modern displays with the animated Swiss Casinos logo – a successful visual metaphor for the connection between tradition and modernity. The car looks as if it has just come to a stop on the rails still embedded in the floor.
This deliberate contrast runs through the entire design concept. The gaming areas are characterized by futuristic elements. Green, neon-lit ring structures float above the bar and gaming tables, giving the room an almost cyberpunk aesthetic without overwhelming the warm character of the brick walls and wood. It is this mixture of “raw & refined” that makes the ambience so unique. As Marcel Tobler emphasized: “A casino with industrial charm like the one we have here is unique in the world.”
The vision: “Gaming culture in Winterthur”
The official part of the evening began with a speech by Marcel Tobler, CEO of Swiss Casinos. He stood on stage, with the simple gray walls of the still unfinished-looking event corner in the background, deliberately emphasizing the “work in progress” character of the industrial surroundings. Tobler made it clear that this is not just about revenue and gambling. The keyword of the evening was “gaming culture.”
Winterthur is known as a city of culture, and the casino aims to blend seamlessly into this identity. A central element of this concept is the Lokbar. It was deliberately designed as a public bar that is accessible without the usual strict entry controls of a casino. This is intended to reduce inhibitions and make the casino a real meeting place for the entire population of Winterthur – a “social meeting place,” as the main shareholder “Jöggi” later put it.
Technology & innovation
Tobler also highlighted the technological innovations. The casino focuses on “service and technology.” Targeted automation—whether at the entrance, for cashless gaming, or for ordering drinks via app—is intended to relieve employees of administrative tasks. The goal: more time for guests, more time for genuine encounters. Tobler particularly highlighted the new group company Swiss Casinos Technology.
Guests were able to see one concrete result of this innovative spirit for themselves in the hall: the world-first “ReelLink.” This is a specially developed platform that is much more than a classic slot machine. As demonstrated on site, the system allows for maximum flexibility: based on performance data, casino management can dynamically control whether a mix of games (multi-game) or a single blockbuster title (single-game) is offered on the terminal. The platform is also technically equipped for the future and takes into account the vision of “omni-channel” – the seamless connection between online and terrestrial gaming. A glance inside the open housing proudly revealed the yellow hardware box labeled “ReelLink by Swiss Casinos” – proof that Swiss Casinos are not only a place for gaming, but also for technological advancement.
A tight schedule: From idea to reality
Marc Baumann, visibly relieved and proud, gave guests a glimpse behind the scenes of this mammoth project. His speech highlighted the immense pressure the team was under. The idea was conceived in 2021, and the concession was submitted in mid-2022. It was not until the end of 2023 that the green light was given, and actual construction began in January 2024. The fact that we are standing in a finished casino today, on December 12, 2025, borders on a miracle. The building was handed over just a few days earlier, on December 9.
Baumann also used the stage for a very personal gesture that underscores the family-like character of the company: he congratulated a guest, Amelie, live on stage on her 21st birthday and promised her a bottle of champagne at the main bar. It is these little moments that show that, despite all the technology, people are still at the center of attention.
Emotional words from the main shareholder
A particularly emotional moment was the appearance of the main shareholder, affectionately known to everyone as “Jöggi.” The elderly gentleman, a personality with a visibly deep connection to the company, was overwhelmed by the result. “It's unbelievable what has become of this old factory building. Unimaginable,” he began his speech.
However, what moved him most was not the building itself, but the loyalty of the people. He proudly announced that 95 percent of the workforce had made the move from the closed Schaffhausen site to Winterthur. This “people value” is remarkable in this day and age and testifies to a strong corporate culture. He also explicitly thanked the authorities – the Winterthur City Council for their local support and the ESBK in Bern for the elegant and seamless transfer of the license.
The city of Winterthur says “yes”
Winterthur's mayor, Mike Künzle, rounded off the round of speeches. He picked up on the image of sparks: “Where sparks used to fly, lights now sparkle.” Künzle emphasized that the casino is not just a place for gambling, but a new event hub. He joked about the possibility of even celebrating weddings in the hall in the future: “Some bet on blackjack, others on a yes – or maybe on no.”
The casino's commitment to the city was particularly important to him. Its sponsorship of FC Winterthur and support for cultural events such as Afro-Pfingsten show that Swiss Casinos is here to stay and integrate itself into the community.
The grand opening: a glimpse into the future
The formal highlight of the evening took place in front of the main entrance, which is flanked by iconic glass blocks above which “SWISS CASINO” shines in large letters. Four gentlemen lined up: CEO Marcel Tobler, Mayor Mike Künzle, main shareholder “Jöggi,” and the new casino director Daniel Kuhlmann.
After a countdown, the group cut the black ribbon together. It was the starting signal for a long night. Marcel Tobler symbolically handed over the floor and responsibility to Daniel Kuhlmann, the man who, together with his team, will now “breathe life” into this place every day.
A tour of the world of experiences
After the official part, I had the opportunity to explore the casino in detail. The atmosphere was electric, accompanied by the beats of the DJs, who created a great atmosphere from a platform. The lighting concept is masterful: while the historic structures of the hall are highlighted by warm spotlights, cool, modern tones dominate the gaming areas.
The gaming pods: Particularly striking are the futuristic, cubic structures in the middle of the hall, which look like spaceships that have landed. Large, round windows allow you to look into these separate gaming areas. These “room-in-room” solutions break up the huge industrial hall without detracting from its size and create more intimate zones for gaming.
The game selection: The selection of slot machines is huge and state-of-the-art. I saw rows of modern slot machines, including “Cash Connection” with impressive jackpots of over 15,000 Swiss francs, “Mighty Wild Panther,” and “Huff N' More Puff.” “Xtension Link” and “Prosperity Link” were also represented. Of course, classic table games are not neglected either: the roulette and blackjack tables are open in the room, covered by elegant arches of light that create an exclusive gaming atmosphere without losing contact with the hall.
Restaurants & Bars: The main bar is an absolute magnet and stretches strikingly across the room. In his speech, Mayor Mike Künzle proudly emphasized that this is the “third longest bar in the world” (or “third largest”) – a superlative that underscores the ambitions of the project. The stylishly dressed staff served champagne and wine to guests that evening. Another bar is located on a raised level, accessible via a blue steel staircase that fits perfectly into the industrial color scheme. Up here, on the so-called “wooden blocks,” you have a fantastic view of the hustle and bustle below in the hall.
Historical reminiscences: Details reminiscent of the past can be found everywhere. Large-format historical black-and-white photographs hang on the walls, showing the hall during the days of locomotive production – steaming behemoths and busy workers. These images ground the glamorous casino experience and remind visitors of the historic ground they are walking on.
Conclusion
The opening of Swiss Casino Winterthur was more than just a party; it was a statement. A statement for Winterthur as a location, for the preservation of industrial culture through intelligent repurposing, and for a modern view of gambling that does not hide itself away but sees itself as part of social life.
The interplay between the raw power of the Halle Rapide – with its cranes and steel girders – and the delicate high-tech world of the modern casino is a success. If Marcel Tobler and Daniel Kuhlmann's vision comes to fruition, this place will indeed be more than just a casino: it will be a place for people to meet, for culture and, of course, for gaming. For the ISA-GUIDE editorial team, it was an impressive evening that showed that the Swiss casino landscape has gained a real gem.
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