Travel guide to the best casinos in the UK
The UK is steeped in history, the monarchy, Shakespeare and theater, the castles, the golf course but it also has a long history of and casino gaming. For a guide to the best casino hot spots and establishments read on here for our ultimate guide to UK’s casino must-sees.
History and Casino Proliferation
From the back streets and drinking dens, the medieval gambling houses were used by the commoners and aristocracy of Britain to pass their time and seek the thrill of a bet. From medieval times, it was an underground activity and confined to gaming houses or private clubs with many of the modern card and dice games we see today. It wasn’t until the 1853 Betting Act that legalized horse racing that a more official industry took root.
Casino gambling and Bingo games followed in the 1960’s with 2 updated acts of legislation. These liberalized the licensing of gambling establishments and some of the iconic names of London Grosvenor and Playboy Casino were born.
They remained very elitist with only the well-heeled, famous movie and sporting celebrities could gain membership, that is until the 2005 Gambling Act that further liberalized licensing, opening hours and membership controls. So that instant walk-ins were allowed without the 24 hour wait or pre-registration that was in place before.
This modernized the industry and gave access to larger, mixed entertainment “leisure” complexes that would attract a wider demographic with food, live music, sports bars and sports betting. It made it alot easier for operators to open casinos in city center locations and across the UK. Locations with greater footfall like prime central locations Leicester Square in London. Where cinemas or discos once were now stands the Hippodrome Casino and Empire Casino.
London Casinos and Iconic Landmarks
Where better to start with our tour of the UK than the Capital, where we have 5 or 6 Casinos right in the heart of the West End. So, after a theater show or some shopping on Regent Street you can walk into Leicester Square and enter any of the casinos surrounding the little patch of grass that is more pentagonal than square.
The iconic building dating back to the 1900s was a pioneering variety hall for shows and circus acts. It went through many transformations as a theater, music venue, superclub, casino, live music venue and back to a casino. Which it is now known for and was awarded the Best European Casino Operator 2015 and Best Land-Based Casino in 2013. It boasts 4 floors and saw a multi-million pound renovation to make it a state of the art casino.
They still have dancing but live acts and upscale dining options like the Heliot Steak House. Over 300 slot machines and most of the popular table games but housed in a beautiful Georgian Variety Hall.
Mayfair and Les Ambassadeurs Club.
Another center for gambling is the Mayfair district of London, where property prices are some of the highest in the world and the ultra wealthy live and play. Here is where you will find the Les Ambassadeurs Club at 5 Hamilton Place. It used to have a garden connecting directly to Hyde Park and íf you are nostalgic about movies, the casino has been used in the James Bond Dr. No film when Sean Connery’s Bond played cards with Dr. No.and scenes from the Beatles A Hard Day's Night were filmed there.
Affectionately known to its members as Les A, this casino returns you to a bygone era of London aristocracy and opulence. It is a luxurious experience and offers visitors impeccable service and is more discreet than the huge super-casinos of Leicester Square. London has all the charm of being the capital, the historical sites like the V&A or Trafalgar Square and many fine culinary delights for the visitor but what about outside the capital.
Edinburgh Genting Casino
For a guide to the best casino establishments in the UK, you can search casinos on Google maps. You will fin dcasino from the south right up to north of Britain and the charm of Scotland’s capital Edinburgh. Much smaller and more quaint. It still has the history and grandeur of a castled city, century old pubs and beautiful botanical gardens. In one of these gardens is Edinburgh Genting Casino which sits atop Fountain Park with glorious views of Edinburgh's skyline.
It is part of the Malaysian Genting Group that operate 11 casinos in the UK, but this is seen as the jewel in their British Crown with a stylish ambiance, beautiful vistas and attentive service. The surrounding area has a cinema complex and bars with many dining options. The casino's convenient location within Fountain Park means it’s easy to get to from all parts of the city. Reviewers and visitors give good marks to the casino for its friendly staff, excellent service, and vibrant ambiance in a contemporary setting. From Edinburgh you can travel out to the highlands and beautiful lochs and country, so it's an ideal base for exploring Scotland.
Manchester Scene and Manchester235
Many of you will be traveling to the UK to catch a premiership match and the holy grail is a ticket for Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium for one of the Manchester teams. The best casino here is Manchester235 which is located in the Great Northern Warehouse complex, a chic and vibrant venue with the renowned James Martin restaurant. There is a calendar of events including live music, comedy shows so, you won’t be short on things to do whilst playing or just relaxing in the casino.
It hosts all the modern table games, baccarat, blackjack and regular poker tournaments. Also hundreds of gaming machines with the latest slot games and igaming titles. Manchester is a great destination for live music, clubs and of course football but the shopping and warm northern hospitality is a must-experience as well on any visit to the UK.
Casinos are a form of modern entertainment but like the historical allure of Britain, the casinos in the UK offer a glimpse into the gambling heritage that predates many of the casino centers around the world so, visitors get the traditional and modern and all within easy traveling distance. Virgin Trains can get you from London to Manchester in two hours for example and many budget air carriers can fly you between Edinburgh and London for less than $60 in about an hour.
