"I want guests who leave with a smile and come back with friends."

Daniel Kullmann is the director of the new Swiss Casino Winterthur.

How does the casino fit into Lokstadt, and what role do you want to play here in the future?
Daniel Kullmann: Winterthur is known as a city of culture and already offers a wide range of events and diverse entertainment options. This is exactly where we want to pick up and complement this existing offering with our gaming and event concept. Our goal is to become actively involved in the Lokstadt community. To this end, we are focusing on partnerships with established local institutions and want to leverage existing synergies to jointly create added value for the neighborhood and the city.

What distinguishes the new casino from other locations?
Daniel Kullmann: One key distinguishing feature is certainly the striking industrial-style building—unique in the casino landscape. The atmosphere at the historic Lokstadt site also gives the location a very special character. In addition, we aspire to be the most modern casino in Europe.

To achieve this, we consistently rely on automation, for example at the entrance gates or for payouts. At the same time, we are consciously opening ourselves up to the outside world: the public area of our LOK Bar & Lounge allows visitors to look inside the building without the typical barriers to entry that are usually associated with a casino.

You are not only a gaming operator, but also an event location. What opportunities does your company offer organizations for occasions or corporate events?
Andreas Marty: We offer the perfect stylish settingfor events with 20 to 300 guests. Whether it's an aperitif, customer event, product launch, after-work party, Christmas party, or networking event—many things are possible with us. We combine events and experiences. On request, we can offer a glimpse behind the scenes or create the special excitement of a real casino atmosphere with a gambling night. If you want to inspire your team or make a lasting impression on your customers, we can provide the perfect stage for a real wow effect.

What kind of events are particularly well suited to your premises, and what makes organizing an event in a casino so appealing?
Andreas Marty: Events that combine emotion, surprise, and community areparticularly well suited—such as award nights, kick-offs, networking events, employee celebrations, or customer events. The special appeal lies in stylishly combining business and pleasure: first professional content, then a shared experience. This creates moments that linger in the memory and forge lasting bonds between teams. And let's be honest: in such a setting, every conversation automatically takes on a different quality.

What are your hopes for the first few months after opening?
Andreas Marty: I hope that guests will leave with a smile and return with friends. Companies will say: This was the best event in years. A team that beams with pride.

Andreas Marty is responsible for sales and marketing and positions Swiss Casino Winterthur as an event and experience location.

And a neighborhood that says: We're glad you're here. For me, a successful start is when you can feel the joy, the energy vibrating in the rooms, and when, at the end of the day, someone says: That was Winterthur at its best.

Interview: Linda Stratacò, February 2026