There’s something about the experience of visiting a casino that people find quite irresistible and have done for centuries.
For some it’s simply the glamorous surroundings where there are usually very high levels of attentive service from everyone from the doormen to the dealers. For others it’s the obvious appeal of being able to enjoy a big win or two.
It’s also an experience that can be enjoyed just as much as a bit of fun on a night or if you’re a serious and determined gambler with a clear idea of the games you want to play and your strategies for playing them. That’s why you’ll find casinos all over the UK, and indeed the world, with a concentration in major cities.
Liverpool’s no exception and, while the gambling event the city is best known for is held at Aintree each April, there are four great casinos all either in the centre of town or over the water on the Wirral.
Despite the rise of online casinos, these “bricks and mortar” versions are all continuing to thrive and the popularity of their online rivals may even be a factor that is increasing their custom rather than reducing it. For example, many people are opting to play online poker before they visit a casino, by doing this they can be sure that they have learnt the rudiments and grown in confidence before they put their skills to the test in a “real life” scenario.
The fact that they have become confident enough to do this has a great deal to do with the ease of playing online. For example, there are no-money games that anyone can play until they’re ready to bet real cash and there are also games for every level of player so it really is the perfect learning environment.
So, whether you’re someone who has perfected your gaming skills online or are an experienced poker player, here are four local casinos where you’ll be welcome to try your luck.
Genting Casino Renshaw Street
The first of three casinos in Liverpool owned and run by the Malaysian gaming group of the same name, the Genting Casino Renshaw Street is right in the centre of town. Open since 1986 and previously known as the Mint Casino it was later rebranded under the Genting name and is a popular destination for many enjoying a night out on the town.
There are a total of 28 gaming tables including American Roulette, Blackjack, 3 Card Poker, Electronic Roulette and Baccarat. And, because it’s so close to Chinatown, there’s also a special Mah Jong room with a capacity of up to 32 players that’s open 24 hours a day and is very popular with the local community.
Other facilities at Renshaw Street include the Fahrenheit Sports Bar where all the major sporting events including football, boxing and cricket are televised live on big screens.
Genting Queen Square
Following a major refurbishment in 2012, the Genting Queen Square casino is undoubtedly the plushest of the city centre gaming establishments. It bills itself as “the only place to play poker in Liverpool” and if you fancy a hand or two you’ll soon discover why.
For relative novices they offer a free “learn to play” session, perfect if your only previous experience has been in the online game. Once you’re ready to play for real there’s a wide range of both cash games and tournament action to enjoy 7 days a week. All the main poker action takes place in the Queen Square Card Room and there’s also a great feature called the Royal Flush Jackpot. In this, whenever any player in the room gets a royal flush not only they, but everyone else in the room too, shares in the jackpot that’s always a minimum of £1,000.
The casino also features a highly acclaimed restaurant called the Fahrenheit Grill which is a great place to refuel when you’re taking a break from the tables.
Genting Casino Wirral
Over in Birkenhead you’ll find the final one in Genting’s trio of Merseyside casinos. It’s the smallest of the three with 4 American Roulette, 3 Blackjack, 1 3 Card Poker and 16 Electronic Roulette tables.
For poker fans there are a good choice of cash games and tournaments and it has a special reputation for its Friday night Texas Hold’em tournament. Plus, if you get there and register before 7.15 pm you’ll qualify for a 5K Early Bird Bonus. If Blackjack’s more your game then there’s another way to play for a big cash jackpot with Blackjack Aces which you could be in the running to receive each time the first card you’re dealt is an ace.
Plus, with a Sports Bar and an on-site Chinese restaurant, it’s the perfect destination for a night out in the Wirral.
Grosvenor Casino Leo
Back in the city centre, you’ll find the Grosvenor Casino Leo. Previously run by Gala Coral, it was taken over by the Grosvenor Casinos Group in 2013.
Today it offers a wide range of games including Slots. Electronic and European Roulette, Blackjack and Punto Blanco. There’s also a large poker room which hosts a wide range of cash games and tournaments.
There’s also a fine dining à la carte restaurant as well as two cocktail bars which are made even more special by the stunning views that they offer over the adjoining Albert Dock as well as the River Mersey.
So next time you’re feeling like a flutter you can be sure that there’s all the action you need in and around Liverpool. The only question is which of these fine establishments you’re going to visit first.