Slot machine operator being investigated over cancer patient’s activity

Staff at Merkur’s Stockport branch reportedly looked away as customer lost £2,000 over two days of play

The high street slot machine company Merkur is under investigation by the Gambling Commission over its alleged exploitation of a vulnerable customer, the Guardian understands, casting a shadow over its UK expansion drive.

The German-owned company operates Britain’s second-largest network of “adult gaming centres”, increasingly popular venues often open 24 hours a day, where customers can play £2 a spin slot machines.