When it comes to gambling, more people than ever have been going online. ‘Remote gambling’, or casino websites accessed by mobile, tablets and desktops, has grown in popularity over the years around the world. The UK Gambling Commission, for example, reported that the total gross gambling yield accrued by remote gambling had risen to £5.3 billion — accounting for more than a third of the total revenue earned from the industry.
Online or Bricks & mortar
The rise in people playing online has been, in some instances, to the detriment of bricks and mortar casinos across the country. There has been a decline in the number of people heading to the casino when it’s so easy to access them online — which they can do almost anywhere with a data or wifi connection, at any hour of the day or night. This has meant that brick and mortar casinos have had to work harder to entice customers with better and more exciting experiences.
So what are some of the best casinos in London? And what about online casinos? Read below to find out more.
London’s top casinos
Hippodrome Casino
Located in the heart of London’s West End, the Hippodrome is one of the city’s most iconic cassinos, offering a luxury gambling experience 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With an 180-seat theatre, the Hippodrome is much more than a casino, offering audiences world class performances including live jazz, cabaret, burlesque and theatre. Of course, they’ve got a huge array of casino games on offer over three floors, with 20 poker tables, 18 roulette tables, 5 baccarat tables and many video gaming machines. They’re also the home to 20 different forms of slot machines — and the world famous Heliot restaurant.
Golden Horseshoe
Situated in Kensington, conveniently located by Bayswater Underground station and Hyde Park, the Golden Horseshoe is one of the largest land-based casinos in the UK. It’s got an impressive games floor, an air lounge, grill restaurants and a late night bar, offering one of the most extensive array of games in London. As well as your traditional table games and slot machines, sightseers, tourists and locals can enjoy playing Craps, Chemin de Fer, Roulette, Blackjack and Baccarat. It’s an impressive atmosphere in a fabulous location — and definitely a must-visit spot for visitors to the area.
Maxims Casino Club
Also based in Kensington at 1A Palace gate is Maxims. Established in 1862, this is one of the UK’s most exclusive and exciting bricks and mortar casinos, hosting a number of impressive gaming rooms as well as Maxims Whiskey Bar Lounge and fine dining restaurants. Open 24 hours a day, the dress code is smart casual — it’s a luxury establishment and people are encouraged to look their best! The casino is home to 26 games including Casino Stud Poker, Punto Banco, Blackjack and more. They also offer guests a membership programme, which needs to be applied for 24 hours before visiting the club.
What about online casinos?
Of course, there’s a variety of great experiences to get while playing at an online casino. Places like www.scams.info and other best live casino sites in the UK offer some really incredible games. And the reason why? Well, the growth of the online casino sector has a lot to do with it. According to UKGC reports, more than 10.5 million people had gambled online in the UK over 2017. It’s become a billion pound industry that everyone — from game developers, to publishers, to investors and casinos — want to get involved in.
A saturated market has meant that more and more brands are competing with one another. They do this by having the best bonuses, as well as the best games. Technology is evolving so quickly, that online casinos need to keep on top of things and be able to offer new (and existing) customers the most exciting gaming experiences available. With so many really interesting games available online, it makes sense that many people no longer see the need to visit a bricks and mortar casino.
The rise of mobile use has also had a massive impact on the bricks and mortar casino industry. With so many people now owning smart phones, they’re also able to access casino websites from anywhere they happen to be — including on their commute, in the comforts of home, or during their break at work. This ease of access, as a result of mobile usage, is one of the biggest reasons that online casinos have become increasingly popular over the years. Why make the trip to an establishment when you can play all the best games at any time, from anywhere you happen to be?
Into the future
But will online casinos completely take over bricks and mortar casinos in the future? It seems unlikely. Land-based casinos are reacting to the rise in online casino play by broadening their offering — including live shows and musical performances, restaurants and bars and more. There’s also something about the casino atmosphere that online casinos have yet to be able to replicate. The luxury decor, the ambiance and hospitality are all incredible parts of the land-based casino experience — something it will take a long time for any VR tech that might be in the works to get completely right.
With the rise of mobile usage, it’s likely that online casinos will grow in popularity. But bricks and mortar casinos will probably always have there place. And with so many excellent offerings in London, and many great online casinos to try, there’s a lot out there for gambling lovers to explore.