What is the best city for gaming in the UK

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Gaming has never been more popular. Despite the lack of a movie make-over, some of the most played games in the UK are the classic casino games, such as roulette, blackjack, poker, craps, and slots. Thanks to the advent of the smartphone, faster internet speeds and ever improving technology, more and more people are carrying around their own personal online casino in their pocket. Unlike many power hungry console games, casino games are perfectly suited to a mobile, or tablet, making them easily accessible and ready to go 24/7.

What makes the best gaming city?

Deciding which is the best city for gaming in the UK can depend on what you’re looking for. Casinos might be your thing, the number and variety of slots, location of game design studios, presence of vibrant gaming communities, or even educational offerings, can all appeal to gamers.

Gaming companies

In recent years the number of games businesses in the UK has reached a record high, as investment and interest has grown significantly. The estimated total number of games companies, game service providers and games-related academic institutions located in the UK, is over 2,500.

Cambridge

When it comes to gaming culture, Cambridge can boast fast internet speeds across the city, elite academic institutions offering relevant gaming qualifications, and the Cambridge Science Park. Created over 50 years ago, the park comprises an estimated 150 acres, and is home to over 170 companies, that range from exciting start-ups to several of the world’s leading technology companies.

Guildford

Another city that can claim to be the best city for gaming in the UK, is Guildford in Surrey. Recently dubbed the UK’s “Hollywood for video games”, the city launched a £2.3 million Games Innovation Zone at the University of Surrey in 2024. 

The hub is the first of its kind in the UK and features spaces for collaboration, game testing, and gameplay. The aim is to bring academics, developers, and gaming professionals together in order to help tackle industry challenges and further enhance Guildford’s global gaming reputation.

The city is home to several renowned gaming companies such as EA, Epic, Sledgehammer, Supermassive Games, Criterion Games, Ubisoft, Hello Games, Playsport Games, Fireproof Games, and Stellar Entertainment.

Brighton

The seaside resort has become an important hub for the UK gaming industry in recent years. Notable games studios based here include The Chinese Room, NaturalMotion, Sumo Digital, Brightrock Games, FuturLab, and NCsoft Europe Ltd.

Alongside it’s gaming connections with Sussex University, the city also boasts an Esports Society, gaming cafes, and regular gaming events that all contribute to its vibrant scene. 

Best Cities for Casinos

When it comes to gaming entertainment, the UK is not short of destinations. There are well over 100 venues in total, offering gamers plenty of choice when it comes to finding a casino that suits them. Unsurprisingly, it’s London that tops the list when it comes to the most casinos, with the capital hosting over 20 establishments.

Best casinos in London:

1. Hippodrome Casino: A historic venue in the heart of London, the Hippodrome features five floors of gaming, including the largest poker deck in the city. 
2. Aspers Casino, Stratford: Huge range of choice including table games, slot machines, electronic roulette terminals, sports betting, and live sporting fixtures.
3. Empire Casino, London: Situated in Leicester Square, this casino boasts 55,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment space, making it a prominent destination in the capital.
4. Grosvenor Casino The Victoria: Known as “The Vic,” this casino on Edgware Road offers a chic gaming experience.
5. Sportsman Casino: Iconic venue near Marble Arch with a reputation for professionalism and an intimate atmosphere.

The Hippodrome 

The Hippodrome casino is the biggest and most popular entertainment and casino venue in the UK. Located in the West End, this historical restored theatre is a must see for any first-time visitors to the capital.

The venue attracts millions of visitors every year, and it’s easy to see why. There are seven floors of fun here, including a multi-award-winning steak house, the iconic Chop Chop Chinese restaurant, nine bars and the excitement of Magic Mike Live. 

However, it’s the establishments three casinos that set this venue apart from others, providing a total of four floors of gaming, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, electronic games, and multiple slots.

There’s no doubt that gaming and the gaming industry is seeing unprecedented growth, and the UK is at the forefront of it. Whether that’s game design, computer science, tech hubs, casinos, or online operators, today’s UK gamers have never had it so good.