The Gambling Commission’s Acting CEO, Sarah Gardner, visited MERKUR Slots in Southport to receive an update on the operator’s latest player protection initiatives. The fact-finding visit showcased new safer gambling technologies, including advanced facial recognition systems, as well as an opportunity to meet with consumer-facing staff and learn more about the safer gambling training that they complete.
The MERKUR Slots in Southport welcomed a senior level delegation from the Gambling Commission comprising Acting Chief Executive Officer Sarah Gardner and Head of Public Affairs and Corporate Communications George Sinnott. The visit was hosted by Head of Compliance Amanda Kiernan who leads MERKUR UK’s seven-strong safer gambling and compliance team.
Reflecting on the fact-finding visit, which took place Monday 17 August, Amanda Kiernan said: “We enjoyed a really positive meeting that provided us with an opportunity to update Sarah and George on all of the various player protection initiatives that we are undertaking as an organisation and to demonstrate some of the technological advances that have been made in key areas notably facial recognition.
“It’s incredibly valuable for the Gambling Commission to see one of our venues in operation, to experience the machine layout, meet with consumer-facing team members, learn more about the safer gambling training that they undergo, and to understand more about the twin pillars of player intervention and the policing of player self-exclusion.
“As a business we are proud to have some of the longest serving team members in the industry. The fact that over 500 consumer-facing colleagues have been with the company for more than 5-years and 250 for more than a decade demonstrates the depth of know-your-customer and operational knowledge that exists within the MERKUR Slots family.
She confirmed: “We guided our guests through the player protection notifications, part of the new compliance platform and of course our facial recognition technology. We were able to demonstrate how we have developed the system to meet the 3.4.1 customer interaction requirements and to outline the plans that we have for the future and that we are currently working on.
“I have undertaken to keep the Commission updated fully on the progress of all of our player protection investments and look forward to once again hosting the Commission at another of our 230+ venues all of which uphold the same exacting standards of player protection.”
GamCom guided through Slots safety
Amanda Kiernan said……. “It’s incredibly valuable for the Gambling Commission to see one of our venues in operation, to experience the machine layout, meet with consumer-facing team members, learn more about the safer gambling training that they undergo, and to understand more about the twin pillars of player intervention and the policing of player self-exclusion……
Originally published on Coinslot on August 24, 2026. Republished with permission.