The UK has one of the most accommodating gambling regulations and enthusiastic punters globally, which is why it is teeming with gaming establishments. At least 100 excellent land-based casinos are distributed across the region and over a hundred online ones.
UK online casinos, too, are some of the best in the world. However, this review will only focus on land-based casinos that offer top-of-the-line gaming experiences, much like what you would find on the Vegas strip. Here we go:
HIPPODROME CASINO, LONDON
The Hippodrome Casino is a world-class entertainment and gambling facility in Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, London. It is Britain’s largest land-based casino — taking up over three floors of the massive Hippodrome building that was once a theatre. Renowned artists such as Harry Houdini, Swan Lake, and Judy Garland have performed there.
The Hippodrome underwent many reincarnations over the years, but none more spectacular than the current casino. It packs 75,000ft2 of pure fun spread across 7 floors and rooftop terraces on at least 3 floors. There are also 3 casinos, 8 bars, a Heliot Steak House, lounges, private rooms, a Magic Mike Live show, etc.
Gaming takes up a total of five floors in the Hippodrome. They have excellent table gaming, slots, electronic games, an entire floor of poker, and the only Dice Table in central London.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The Grand Casino located in an impressive auditorium is the spectacle of the Hippodrome and the venue’s gaming hub. It has table games as well as electronics and slots.
- Free Baccarat in the Macau Lounge.
- The Gods Casino is a new casino situated on top of the building. It offers a breathtaking view of the main gaming floor, bars, and steakhouse 60ft below.
- Lola’s casino on the ground floor incorporates live entertainment in the gaming action alongside a 12-metre high-def screen that displays gameplay.
- The rooftop terrace has tables for 150 guests alongside a full range of drinks, cocktails, and mouth-watering food.
RAINBOW CASINO, BIRMINGHAM
Rainbow Casino opened in its current location at the edge of central Birmingham in 1964 and is the longest running casino there. Don’t let the age fool you. This casino underwent a large-scale refurbishment in 2012 to become one of the UK’s most stylish and modern gaming establishments.
What’s more, you don’t have to be a member to access the casino. However, membership affords you more privileges, including gift cards and vouchers for the casino, bar, and restaurant. On the other hand, nonmembers must produce identification if they spend more than €2000.
The gaming area includes 20 machines featuring cherished providers such as IGT and Novomatic, offering great slot games like Super V+ Gaminator and Dominator. There are also another 20 electronic roulette terminals.
Smokers have a heated smoking terrace, which hosts eight machines, so you can game on as you puff the night away. However, for poker fans, you can only enjoy the Three Card variety. Variants such as Baccarat are not offered at Rainbow.
As for refreshments and meals, the house hosts the Clarendon Restaurant on its first floor, overlooking Hagley road. It is open from 7 pm to 11 am and serves some of the best, most sumptuous dishes. We are talking about 21-day aged steaks, custom burgers, spicy curries, and healthy salads.
The venue also hosts special events regularly. Its entertainment nights are marked by live music, boxing bouts, or the big football matches.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- No membership required
- Entertainment nights
- Variety of slots and roulette
- Drinks, cocktails, and meals
- Available in other locations aside from Birmingham, including Bristol and Aberdeen
VICTORIA GATE CASINO, LEEDS
Located in the heart of the Victoria developments, this is the ultimate gaming destination in the North. It boasts more square feet and table games than any other casino in the region and is the third-largest casino in the UK, featuring 50,000 ft2 of gaming area and a 1,400 capacity.
Victoria Gate Casino boasts a more than 100-player poker room, 140 slot machines, 24 live dealer gaming tables, and 80 electronic gaming terminals. The establishment also has numerous wall-to-wall screens for sports watching, a restaurant, two bars, and space for functions.
You can try your hand at many poker variants among other loved classics, including Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, dice, and the latest electronic slots. There are also betting terminals where you can bet live.
The restaurant within the house offers a variety of delicacies across different cuisines. Refreshments are available at the bar, ranging from hand-picked lagers, ales, and stouts to choice spirits. You can also enjoy live sports action on the 41 HD screens, including football, NFL, rugby, horse racing, etc.
Although it’s open 24 hours a day, the casino’s happy hour is between 5 and 7 pm. Membership is not required so that you can stop by any time.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Wide variety of table games, slots, and other electronic gaming terminals
- Live music on Fridays and Saturdays
- On-site restaurant with Cocktails, drinks, and delicacies featuring fresh Yorkshire produce
- Live poker events spread across the year, such as the Poker Bananza with a total grand prize of £200,000
GROSVENOR CASINO, LONDON
In London’s fashionable West End on Tottenham Court Road, Grosvenor Casino offers a great blend of classics and modern, stylish games. Locals often call it The Vic. It offers a lively, social atmosphere, classic casino slots, roulette, poker, blackjack, and other table games. Its slot machines feature popular titles like Lucky Lady’s Charm and Cleopatra.
Sports fans get multiple screens to watch major tournaments such as the Premier League and other sports, including rugby, boxing, cricket, and formula One.
The on-site restaurant has delectable dishes to satisfy your appetite by combining Western and Eastern cuisines for your refreshments and meals. The bar serves beers, wines, and spirits selected from around the world.
You will be glad to know that Grosvenor has over 50 casinos across the UK, including 8 in London and others in major towns such as:
- Manchester
- Plymouth
- Northampton
- Liverpool
- Leicester
- Edinburgh
- Bristol
- Birmingham
- Leeds
- Wales
- Scotland
ALEA CASINO, GLASGOW
Alea casino is located on the southside, where it offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and River Clyde. It boasts a range of las vegas-style casino offerings from cherished table games to electronic games and slots.
There are two magnificent gaming floors, and poker has a dedicated lounge. On the ground floor, you will find 17 live table games with American Roulette, Blackjack, Punto Banco, Three Card Poker, and Pai Gow.
The first floor has a variety of electronic gaming machines and slots. You can expect slots games such as Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania, Cleopatra, Pharaoh’s Fortune, and 20 other machines, some of which feature progressive jackpots worth as much as £20,000. Also, you can access any one of 30 roulette terminals.
The restaurant alongside River Clyde provides stunning views, where you can enjoy a 2-course meal for £14.95 or a 3-course for £19.95. The starters include Fishcakes, Smooth Chicken Liver Parfait, and unique Soup of the Day. The mains include Seared Sea Bass Fillet, 8oz Scottish Rib Eye, Chicken Milanese Style, Sun Blushed Tomato Risotto, and Seared Sea Bass Fillet.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Stunning riverside views
- Large collection of games and electronic machines
- Mouth-watering delicacies from an award-winning chef
- Some of the largest progressive jackpots
CONCLUSION
Even though online gambling is getting even more popular, the UK is still teeming with unique casinos that guarantee classic and modern land-based action wherever you go. From vegas-style setups to riverside views and exquisite cuisines, these halls offer the best of gaming and entertainment.