There really is nowhere in the world quite like Las Vegas. However, while the UK may not boast one particular region or city that’s famous for its spectacular casinos and gambling opportunities, a couple of cities give Las Vegas something of a run for its money. Sort of.
London may be an obvious pick, but you won’t find a wider assortment of impressive gambling establishments in any other city in the UK. And then there’s Cardiff, which is quickly gaining a reputation as a great location to visit for a flutter. Below you’ll find a few of the most popular casinos in these cities that are working hard for the title of the gambling capital of the UK.
London
Aspers, Westfield Center
With the arrival of the 2012 Olympics. Stratford received a huge boost, and the vast Westfield Center has been key to the ongoing buzz. The shopping and entertainment venue is the largest mall in Europe and features the impressive Aspers Stratford casino – it’s home to the range of games and slots you’d expect from a casino of this size and caliber and is particularly well-known for its poker tournaments. This gambling establishment offers some fabulous major jackpots: players can win £15,000 or more on slots, while around £35,000 can be won on the live poker tables.
Food and drink are available throughout the casino, and there’s a terrace bar, including an outdoor seating area, too, for guests to relax and unwind after some hard work at the tables! Aspers Stratford is loved for its vibrant atmosphere – one of the reasons for its receipt of the 20202 Best Casino award – and offers 10% cashback to gamers.
Is it comparable to the casinos of Las Vegas? It could well be. Spreading over 65,000 square, three hundred plus slots, an array of table games, and a whopping four hundred seat poker room, it’s like a little taste of Vegas in the UK.
Park Lane Club, Mayfair
At the exclusive Park Lane Club, you’ll find high-rolling clientele and flowing champagne – if you’d like membership, you’ll need to pay £1,000 for the privilege. For your money, you’ll get access to indoor and outdoor gambling areas, as well as private rooms for the ultimate elegant, luxe gambling experience.
This establishment is famous for its beautiful, unique decor, high-end hospitality, and welcoming, relaxed vibe. As well as traditional table games, gamblers can also enjoy electronic roulette and various slot machines.
The Jewel of Mayfair is the onsite restaurant, while the Dreams Bar offers guests a range of fine whiskies and wines.
Hippodrome Casino, Leicester Square
This is a casino with a difference: operating over five floors and incorporating three distinctly themed casinos, the Hippodrome Casino is, as its name suggests, located in a gorgeous former theatre.
As well as all the games you’d expected from a major league casino, you’ll also find the city’s largest poker deck here, as well as a roster of changing live entertainment to provide a complete evening of enjoyment and fun. The onsite Heliot Steak House overlooks the Grand Casino and is widely considered to offer diners the best-cooked steak in London!
Cardiff, Wales
Les Croupiers Casino, Capital Retail Shopping Park
Established in 1968, Les Croupiers is the oldest casino in Wales and offers an authentic traditional casino atmosphere. It welcomes both high rollers and those seeking a fun flutter; visitors can choose from the range of table games and slots, and the establishment runs frequent poker tournaments, as well as weekly cash games, which are highly popular. Les Croupiers has also recently added Punto Banco, Mahjong, and Texas Holdem to its roster of games.
The casino boasts one of the largest poker rooms in the country, where guests can enjoy a wide variety of poker variants – it’s open from 6 pm until 4 am seven days a week.
Grosvenor Casino
This highly-regarded venue is vast, and the interiors impress as soon as you step through the grand front doors. Despite its exclusive appearance, however, membership is not required in order to gamble here, although signing up will give you access to various perks and offers, so it may be worth considering if you’re planning on spending some time in the city.
There are over a thousand slots on offer at Grosvenor, including classic video and progressive options; there are also a variety of electronic gaming machines and live table games, including poker, baccarat, roulette, and blackjack.
Need a break from all the fun? This casino is home to several bars and restaurants, so there’s sure to be something to suit all tastes.
Club 3000, Batchelor Road
Club 3000 is all about providing a friendly atmosphere for a fun, sociable flutter, and the staff is on hand and happy to help new visitors get familiar with what’s on offer and get started with the games.
While it’s known for its bingo provision, this venue also has an impressive range of slots and other games and is well worth a visit for its uplifting, welcoming vibe – and often substantial prize pots!
