There are few destinations in the world that evoke the sense of wonder and possibility like a casino in full-flow. From the buzz of the lads’ stag weekend in Las Vegas to the high-rollers of Monte Carlo, casinos seem to exist in the mind’s eye like living, breathing organisms -its heart beating strong with each roll of the dice or spin of the roulette wheel.
Such is the attractiveness of the casino experience that the UK has developed into a host of some elite casino experiences, all closer to home than the desert of Nevada. Here’s our top five UK-based casinos to whet your appetite. Before you venture out to one of these venues, though, LLM recommends some practice on some of the best UK slot sites to ensure you hit the ground running when you arrive on the casino floor.
5) Hippodrome Casino, London
Located in London’s vibrant and diverse West End, adjacent to the world-famous Leicester Square, this free-to-enter casino houses four levels of entertainment – incorporating four levels of gaming, a 180-seat theatre and cabaret area, multiple bars and an award-winning restaurant.
Hippodrome opened in 2012, and is housed in the location of the former Hippodrome theatre, which opened in 1900 and was designed by renowned architect Frank Matcham. It claims to be the UK’s biggest international-style casino, and you can be certain that it’ll be thrumming with gamers, both casual and serious, 24/7.
There is no membership required to game at the Hippodrome, but it does offer a rewards-scheme card for the regular visitor, which includes discount on food and a points-based system which accumulates when you play at the venue.
4) Genting Casino Fountain Park, Edinburgh
The only Scottish casino to crack the top five, Gentino Casino Fountain Park offers a classic and timeless experience for the casino connoisseur in the Scottish capital. Fountain Park offers all of the popular casino games, including Blackjack, Baccarat and Roulette. However, the popular Texas Hold ‘Em variant of Poker is what Fountain Park is really known for, as it hosts some of the best games available anywhere in Britain, often for sizeable prize pots.
Also contained within Fountain Park is the five-star Fahrenheit Restaurant. The casino offers a few different combination packages which includes access to games alongside a three-course-meal. For our more northerly readers, look no further than this place for your casino fix.
3) Grosvenor Casino Leo, Liverpool
Another casino known for accommodating poker players, Grosvenor Casino Leo boasts the iconic location adjacent to Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool. ‘Leo’ blends traditional casino experiences with the modern digital equivalent, and is open seven days a week.
The casino has two cocktail bars with panoramic views over the River Mersey, as well as an a la carte restaurant and private meeting areas, making it perhaps the ideal location to mix business with pleasure while on a trip in the city. The large poker room hosts Texas Hold ‘Em daily, and there are also Blackjack, Roulette and Baccarat games on offer.
2) Genting International Casino, Birmingham
If the Vegas-style resort experience is what you’re after, look no further than the Genting International Casino in Birmingham. Claiming to be Europe’s first resort casino, this venue provides a no-holds-barred approach to your entertainment needs. Located within the greater Resorts World Birmingham complex, the venue boasts a boutique hotel, conferencing facilities, a spa, 11-screen cinema, outlet shopping and multiple bars and restaurants.
As you’d expect with a luxury venue of this size, Genting International Casino offers every gaming experience you could ask for from a casino, but also includes a large ‘outdoor gaming’ area, which allows guests to game while enjoying a cigar or two, warmed through by fire pits scattered across the area.
1) Park Lane Casino
While the Birmingham resort offers something for everyone, Park Lane Casino is all about the exclusivity. Located in the heart of London’s famous Park Lane, the membership fee at this private club will set you back a one-off payment of £1000.
Aspirational architecture, including crystal ceilings, houses a series of private gaming rooms and outdoor gaming areas. Park Lane caters to the extremely affluent high-roller consumer, and is the ultimate gaming spot for those who live the most luxury of lives.
As you’d expect with any casino on this list, Park Lane’s in-house restaurant, The Jewel of Mayfair, has a menu full of exquisite food and drink, containing global cuisine and delicacies.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
