Business

Exploring the rise of casino tourism in the UK: A comprehensive market outlook

Published

2 years ago

March 12, 2024

DUE to its unique mix of diversion, history, and technology, the UK’s casino tourism has turned into a dominant power. This market is expected to be worth $6,223 million by 2022 with the projection of 5.8% CAGR according to the present circumstances. This entertainment business offers more than the usual casino games. With people looking for immersive and total experiences, casinos have set in motion strategies for meeting these demands and this has resulted in a significant rise in the strength of tourism in the scene. This publication is a journey of revealing the profound veil of this phenomenon featuring the levers that contribute to its popularity as well as the vast business and traveler opportunities it offers. From the constantly changing market trends to the magnetic spell created by the casinos in UK, this article will indeed take you through an exciting trip into the growing landscape of UK casino tourism.

United Kingdom Casino Tourism Market

The country of the United Kingdom is a gambling empire that has an ancient gambling culture tied with traditions. In a revolutionary decision, the creation of almost a dozen Super Casinos, comparable to Las Vegas, is going to set off a new era of expansion in Britain’s gambling industry. Year after year the wave has been reaching its crescendo, the climax of which was the announcement in 2011 of the opening of Aspers Casino in London, the largest one in the city, holding 70 gaming tables and over 12 poker tables plus 150 electronic gambling machines. The United Kingdom has a diversified gambling scene with more than 100 land-based casinos, sportsbooks, and online gaming platforms and one of the most different gambling environments in Europe. Classic games such as Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps which are well-known and some not commonly known games like Mahjong, Kalooki, Casino War, and Wheel of Fortune, the array of exciting and interesting casino games available in UK facilities is really astonishing and incredible. Furthermore, poker remains as a favorite game among the British casino goers even if the Rake system is used in poker rooms and casinos to generate revenue.

What draws tourists to the casinos in the United Kingdom?

Spending on multiple occasions is a perceptible and recognizable characteristic of the main portion of the population during the journey, when they are inclined to spend money on every opportunity to enjoy themselves and enhance their cash surplus. As clear as it is, gambling turns out to be, by far, the most popular attraction that draws numerous tourists to England giving an opportunity to see more than just the common sightseeing. Due to the increasing spending power of the affluent tourists, casinos come into prominence offering luxury lodging and entertainment that of a high standard, designed to satisfy wealthy travelers. Subsequently, the British casinos are reported to derive up to 40% of their revenue from tourists giving an illustration of the strong allure and popularity of casinos in the United Kingdom.

United Kingdom government promotes casino tourism

Gaming earning is both good for the state and the operators as they receive a large budget support through taxes and other expenses. In addition, the hospitality industry enjoys the benefits of gaming tourism manifesting in numerous business ties between recreation and places like restaurants, hotels, retail to name a few. On the other hand, this symbiotic relationship has an only successful condition of governmental regulations of the casinos activities and the licensing granted to casinos to operate in the UK. In short, the UK government is not just enabling the casino market but it is trying to make this market work for it because this aligns with the government’s interests in the overall economic growth, brand recognition of the country, and capitalizing the spending power of wealthy visitors in the country.

Laws and regulations governing gambling in the United Kingdom, and the history behind their establishment

The British laws and regulations related to gambling are dynamic and have changed during the time to influence the Market pattern. Firstly, the first version of the commercial bingo halls were allowed by the Betting and Gaming Act of 1960 but was subject to stringent restrictions that included only membership and the revenue that were from local government. Much as early casinos had limits on the number of machines and were licensed by the Gaming Board of Great Britain, they struggled with operations as a member-only establishment. Regulatory measures started to ease up in 1968 when the Gaming Act came in effect, which brought more considerable scale to privately established casinos.

The standout piece of Gambling Act of 2005 helped to introduce the idea of larger resort-style casinos that had tough supervision. The competition for the city that would win the title of the first “super casino”, began, and this task was initially awarded to the city of Manchester. However, the government did not fall short to reconsider and later it was decided that this casino would be in a different city. However, unlike the original proposal for no new casinos, the support for different-sized casinos at multiple sites, Wolverhampton and Solihull, was given. As well, the Act established several categories of gaming machines with different stake limits, payouts, and amount of particular the skill element of the game.

Insights

London boasts the highest quantity of casinos

The capital, which happens to be the most significant cities of the United Kingdom, definitely deserves to be on this list. London is one of the countries that adorns top casinos with about thirty booming casino establishments, where you can play poker tournaments, table games, and slots. In general, size is the factor that differentiates casinos; here you have casinos of various sizes such as multistoried ones that cover many floors and single floor ones. On the one hand, some bookmakers are open to everyone; on the other hand, some bookmakers can only be accessed by specified members.

The top three gambling companies in the United Kingdom are Gala Coral Group, Grosvenor, and Genting Casinos

Around 40 casinos in the UK belong to 3 major operators—Gala Coral Group, Grosvenor, and Genting Casinos, which run many well-known casinos in the UK including so-called “SuperCasinos”. These three operators have a total stake of about 75% of all the land-based casinos in the country even in the presence of other competitors. The first Genting dominated the market back in the 1970s when it commenced acquiring and refurbishing casinos all around the world.

Slots are the most played casino games

Slot machines grab the main audience of gamers. They prove to be one of the most commonly seen sites in almost all the UK’s casinos, thus attracting a whole bunch of novices to try out their luck. People typically place bets on slot machines because of their simplicity, and lower capitals required, then table games. Moreover, the prevalence of the slot machines is nowadays in vogue as such devices are provided by the online casinos on the web as well.

Individuals who enjoy gambling are inclined to visit casinos more frequently

Gambling visits are rather popular among gamblers of the UK as almost fifty percent of Britons confine gambling as an entertainment pursuit. Regardless of the increasing number of fans of online gambling, traditional walk-in casinos still win lots of the market due to the presence of many dedicated players across the country.

Casinos are most frequently visited by middle-aged travelers and seniors

Gambling has been present among the European citizens for many years, especially during the times of the kings. Its fame remains unchanged and carries along with itself both old and young from one generation to another. The direction of casino visitation is mostly potent from the age-group of 35-50 years, which is then aged with that ranging 50-65 years visiting casinos in the UK more frequently.

United Kingdom Casino Tourism Market by Category

The classification by game type is made up of most liked options like American Roulette, 3 Card Poker, Blackjack, Casino Stud Poker, Dice, Punto Banco and other games everyone will enjoy.

Classification of gambling by type encompasses commercial or recreational types, those operated by tribal Indians, venues that have limited bets, and the fast growing market of online gambling. The various types of casinos target different niches of the market and they offer diverse choices for the casino tourists. Segmentation by end users embraces a multitude of consumer groups such as avid players, excitable people, dabblers, lottery diehard fans and the uninvolved ones. These divisions were for a different level of segments that would represent the emerging trend of consumer behavior within this trending sector of casino tourism.

The segmentation by age group runs through a coffer of people, such as those aged 18 – 24 years, those in the age group of 25 – 35 years, 35 – 50 years, 50 – 65 years, and those senior citizens that are sixty five and above. It is this extremely multi class since each age groups from under 18 to 65 as above merge to form a very dynamic scenery in casino tourism. Segmentation of casino tourists by tourist type is aimed at revealing the dichotomy of the local and international casino visitors who contribute to the kaleidoscopic nature of UK casino tourism.

Segmentation of the United Kingdom Casino Tourism Market by consumer orientation encompasses two primary categories: males and females. This consumer orientation acceptance shows the multi-niche targeting of the casino tourism industry, so that they can suit the preferences and tastes of all male and female visitors in the UK market.

Segmentation of the United Kingdom Casino Tourism Market into three types of travelers includes independent travelers, package travelers, and tour groups. Such sorting is representative of different approaches to the UK’s casino tourism venues, ranging from individual exploration to organized trips with packages and group outings visits. These spots are reflecting varying interests and ways of traveling in the UK which is a dynamic country of casino tourism.

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Business

Pembroke Dock restaurant to close on Christmas Day after £23,000 rates rise

Published

6 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKE DOCK restaurant owner has said she is “devastated” after being forced to close her business on Christmas Day following a projected business rates increase of more than £23,000.

Randalls Restaurant, which operates from The Dolphin Hotel in Pembroke Dock, has been run by Natalie Newton and her family since 1999. Ms Newton took over the business in 2018 after her parents retired, overseeing a major transformation from a traditional pub and bed and breakfast into a hotel and restaurant.

***Chef Ben Randal and fiancée, Natalie Newton who owns the hotel (Image: Dolphin Hotel)***

For the past seven years, she and her fiancée, chef Ben Randall, have worked to build the restaurant’s reputation, offering breakfasts, lunches and evening meals using locally sourced produce where possible, as well as hosting special events including Christmas parties, buffets, afternoon teas and themed dining nights.

However, Ms Newton said she was left with no option but to close the restaurant after discovering that its business rates are expected to rise from around £10,000 to £33,000 from next year.

She said: “It’s a great shame. My father is absolutely devastated – this was his legacy. I took it over and built a really successful restaurant, and now it feels like it’s been taken away.”

Ms Newton said she checked her projected rates bill using the Government’s online calculator and was shocked to see that it had more than trebled. With quieter trading months expected early in the year, she said the increase was simply not sustainable.

“January, February and March are quieter months,” she said. “From April I’d need to find an extra £2,750 every month. Even if I managed it, I’d be working for nothing, and I’m worried I wouldn’t be able to pay my bills and would end up in the red.”

She added: “I’ve made the decision to close straight after Christmas Day. It’s drastic, but I have to keep my head above water and protect everything my parents worked for.”

Ms Newton said the decision had not only affected her family but also the restaurant’s eleven members of staff.

“I’ve invested everything back into this business,” she said. “Every penny the restaurant has made has gone straight back into it. I’ve worked every day, nights and weekends, and I haven’t had Christmas at home for seven years.

“For the last six months I’d look around the restaurant when it was busy and think how lucky we were. People were happy, good food was going out. Now it feels like it’s all been snatched away.”

The Herald has reported extensively on growing concern among Pembrokeshire businesses over sharp increases in business rates following updated valuations, with several town centre traders warning that rising fixed costs are pushing otherwise viable businesses to the brink.

Ms Newton said she intends to focus on running the hotel after Christmas but will miss the restaurant and its customers.

“I’m going to miss everyone,” she said. “I’ve loved building relationships with customers over the years. I just want to thank everyone who believed in Ben and me and supported us.”

Business rates in Wales are due to be updated from April 1, 2026, to reflect current property values. The Welsh Government has said that while many businesses will see their bills fall, others will face increases.

It has announced that any business facing an increase of more than £300 will have the rise phased in over two years rather than being applied in full immediately.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language Mark Drakeford said previously: “We know businesses have faced significant economic challenges in recent years. This support package will help them manage the transition to updated rates bills while we deliver on our commitment to a fairer rates system.”

Business

Salon plans for Haverfordwest car valet site approved

Published

20 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

RETROSPECTIVE plans to change a Pembrokeshire car sales/valet area to include a barber shop and tanning salon have been given the go-ahead.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Zizo Barbers & Affordable Cars, of Cambrian Place, Haverfordwest sought permission for the change of use of previously granted valet and car sales area, the works completed in 2024.

A supporting statement through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd said the former commercial garage business has been operating in several guises from the premises for many years and has included petrol sales, motor servicing and repairs, MoTs, vehicle valeting, car sales and customer parking.

This followed on from a 2011 permission for the partial demolition of the original commercial garage, with a later approval for the site refurbishment to provide a workshop, valeting and offices for the existing car sales.

A supporting statement said: “The proposed update to a change of use involves the replacement of a car valeting service, which took place under a covered area at the rear of the site by a wash and valet operation – and restricting this service to those cars being sold at the Cambrian Place site. The use of a former office / store as a barber shop.

“The use of the former customer waiting area as a tanning salon including a new moveable timber shed for use as a meet and greet facility and as a car sales office. Provision of a communal parking area. Whilst retaining the principal use of the site for the sale of used cars.

“It is therefore suggested that the proposal will reduce both the elements of noise and the generation of dust whilst improving air quality as substantially fewer cars being power washed and valeted as well as the visual impact of these activities in this very public location – and with adjacent residential properties.”

Haverfordwest Town Council had objected to the scheme on highway safety grounds, but an officer report recommending approval said: “Highways colleagues have advised that the mixed use at the site is not likely to generate a significant number of trips that would lead to congestion and/or road safety issues due to the hours of operation are suggestive of visitors in the non-peak hours over the course of the day.

“In addition, highways colleagues have confirmed recorded accident history is negligible at the site, with one accident in 2023 at the nearby junction as a result of a rear shunt.”

It also said that, as the site lies adjacent to the A40(T) Welsh Government as a highway authority were consulted on the application, but has not not issued a direction in respect of this application.

One letter of objection had also raised issues of traffic and highway safety, chemical and detergent waste from the site and occasional activity after 5pm.

The report said the cessation of the valeting/washing use will reduce water usage at the site and any activity outside normal hours was an enforcement matter.

The application was conditionally approved by officers.

Business

Community council objections to Tenby Lidl store scheme

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS for a new store on the edge of Tenby by retail giant Lidl, which has seen objections from the local community council, are likely to be heard next year.

In an application recently lodged with Pembrokeshire County Council back in October, Lidl GB Ltd, through agent CarneySweeney, seeks permission for a new 1,969sqm store on land at Park House Court, Narberth Road, New Hedges/Tenby, to the north of the Park Court Nursing Home.

The proposals for the latest specification Lidl store, which includes 103 parking spaces, would create 40 jobs, the applicants say.

The application follows draft proposals submitted in 2024 and public consultations on the scheme, with a leaflet drop delivered to 8,605 local properties; an information website, with online feedback form; and a public exhibition, held last December at the De Valence Pavillion in Tenby, with a follow-up community event held at New Hedges Village Hall, close to the site, publicised through an additional postcard issued to 2,060 properties.

Some 1,365 responses have been received, with 89 per cent of respondents expressing support for the proposals, the applicants say.

A supporting statement says: “Lidl is now exceptionally well established in the UK with the Company operating c.980 stores from sites and premises both within and outside town centres. Its market share continues to increase substantially, and the company is expanding its store network considerably. The UK operational model is based firmly on the success of Lidl’s operations abroad with more than 10,800 stores trading across Europe.

It adds: “The granting of planning permission for the erection of a new Lidl food store would increase the retail offer and boost the local economy. The new Lidl food store would create up to 40 employment opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds, providing opportunities for training and career development. This in turn will create an upward spiral of economic benefits.”

Local community council St Mary Out Liberty Community Council has formally objected to the scheme, saying that, while it supports the scheme for a Lidl store in principle, recognising “the economic benefits a new retail store could bring,” it says the proposed location “is unsuitable, conflicts with planning policy, and cannot be supported in its current form”.

Its objections add: “The A478 is heavily congested in peak tourist months. A supermarket would worsen congestion, increase turning movements, and heighten risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency access.”

It also raises concerns on the potential impact through “noise, lighting, traffic disturbance, and loss of quiet amenity” on a neighbouring residential care home.

An initial assessment by Pembrokeshire County Council, highlighted concerns about the visual impact, with the authority’s landscape officer commenting that the store would introduce “an intense urban function into an otherwise rural context”.

The report added: “It is not considered to be compatible with the character of the site and the area within which it is located; and furthermore, will lead to a harmful visual impact on the setting of the National Park.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.