Casinos are often associated with glitz and glamour and are portrayed on the silver screen as opulent establishments that are populated by high-rollers recklessly laying wads of cash down on even the most unlikely of bets. From the fictionalised accounts of James Bond, surrounded by alluring villains, to the real-life tales of celebrities hitting the tables, many people think of casinos as opulent venues with an exclusive clientele, and in history, that’s exactly what they have been.
Today, it’s still possible to find lavish casinos in top gambling destinations like Las Vegas and Macau, as well as here on home soil in the UK – and all of them continue to attract an affluent crowd of high-stakes players with money to burn. Nevertheless, casinos are becoming increasingly accessible to the masses, with moves including easing strict dress codes ensuring that everyone feels welcome – and it isn’t always as easy to find a luxurious venue as it once was.
Even so, the UK is home to some truly extravagant casinos that live up to the image that has been portrayed over the years. Housed in beautiful buildings and offering warm welcomes to some of the world’s best-known celebrities, these casinos maintain their reputation by offering a truly unique experience and service that is second to none.
The Hippodrome, London
As the biggest casino in London, the Hippodrome is spread over three floors and offers visitors to the capital an authentic Vegas-style experience. Just one part of a huge entertainment complex that also features an array of entertainment options – including rooms for live music and several bars where late-night players can choose from a wide selection of drinks – the Hippodrome Casino is undoubtedly one of the finest the capital has to offer, and the gaming floor ticks all of the boxes you’d hope it would, and more.
From impeccably dressed croupiers to beautiful décor and extravagant entertainment shows, players can choose from a host of traditional games including roulette, baccarat, poker and blackjack, to name but a few.
The complex is also home to one of the premier steakhouses in the world, making it a favourite hot spot for foodies and further emphasising the venue’s sense of grandeur grandeur, with diners able to look out over the casino while they eat. The rooftop terrace is the perfect place for guests to take in spectacular views over London, but there’s no need for the fun to stop while doing so, as the gaming continues even at that height.
Napoleon Casino, Leeds
As one of a chain of prestigious casinos, Napoleon’s, located in the northern city of Leeds, combines the elegance of a traditional gaming house with modern touches that make for a truly entertaining place to play. With friendly staff and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Napoleon’s offers players a luxurious gaming experience with a variety of traditional and modern games to suit any player.
The complex is also home to a restaurant that offers gamers the chance to enjoy a delicious meal to sustain them as they play. The menu changes monthly, so regulars can enjoy something new almost each time they visit, and the casino has introduced 24-hour opening at weekends to allow players to immerse themselves in their favourite games for as long as they wish to.
The Grosvenor Casino, Birmingham
As one of the most impressive casino resorts in the country and certainly in the Midlands, the Grosvenor in Birmingham is ideally placed to serve players in the region who are eager to enjoy their favourite games in beautiful surroundings. Here, you’ll find all the casino games you would expect, from live poker tables to slots and electronic terminals, so while newcomers can try out a range of different games, experienced casino-goers are sure to find their favourites, too.
Part of a renowned chain of casinos which includes a thriving establishment of the same name in London, the Grosvenor draws on decades of experience of providing high-end casino experiences, including a well-reviewed restaurant, a sports and entertainment lounge, a glamorous bar, and plenty of other facilities that make it a premier entertainment destination for locals and visitors to the city alike.
The rise of online casino gaming
The casino industry has made significant moves into the online sphere, where both traditional and new games have been hugely popular – and now, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy an authentic luxury casino experience. In fact, in 2022, it’s possible to indulge in your preferred pursuits from just about anywhere – whether it’s your sofa, sun lounger or somewhere in between.
With online resources like the best UK casino bonuses review from the team at ukbestonlinecasinos.com available to provide the low-down on where to find the best picks of the bunch, accessing the best high-end hot spots from afar is now more accessible than ever – but competing with land-based casinos, at least when it comes to the glitz and glamour we all know and love, has taken some clever thinking outside the box.
Online offerings have had to offer customers all the perks of playing their favourite games in a new format that works in the digital world, and VIP programmes have played a huge role in capturing the attention of the world’s biggest high-rollers, as well as retaining it for the long-term. Promotions and offers are all part of the appeal of playing online, and the cost-efficiency of offering games online as opposed to needing physical space has made it possible for online platforms to go all out doing just that, so these days, you can get the celebrity treatment without even leaving your home.
With online gaming proving an easy and convenient way for players to access their preferred games, we’ve seen the tables turn to the point that it has been difficult for bricks-and-mortar casinos to keep up, but those that have adapted quickly by offering a wider selection of games with different themes and a choice of gaming options have managed to retain the same level of allure they always have.
There will always be areas in which land-based casinos simply cannot compete with online casinos, such as the ease and convenience of playing from home – but for many, the allure of crowding around the roulette table for a live game or immersing themselves in the sights and sounds will always be too strong to ignore.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
