The people of Scotland have always had a fondness for a wager, and the pastime has a long history, particularly in the principal cities. After all, there are no casinos and precious few racecourses out in the highlands, so in the days before the internet age, the only places to bet on games or horse racing were Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Perth.
Of all these, Edinburgh has always had the reputation as the most progressive city, the place where those from Glasgow or Aberdeen might go to let their hair down and relax. To call it the Vegas of Scotland would be an overstatement, but when you’ve exhausted the UK £1 pound deposit casinos online and want to try something in the real world, you’ve no shortage of great locations to choose from.
The Grosvenor
Don’t be put off by the “chain” nature of the Grosvenor, this is a casino group that knows how to give people a good time. Better known to locals by its former name of The Maybury, it’s a little way out to the west of the city centre at South Maybury, but easy to reach thanks to its close proximity to Edinburgh Gateway Station.
The Art Deco building is impossible to miss, and is probably unlike any other Grosvenor you might have visited, at least from the outside. Step in through the glazed doors, however, and you’ll be met with a warm welcome and a choice of gaming tables, including roulette, blackjack and baccarat. For the tech lovers, there’s a wide choice of slot games, and when you want a break from the gambling, the a la carte menu and late bar are well worth a visit. The Grosvenor also hosts regular poker tournaments
Musselburgh
Seven miles to the east of the City Centre lies the town of Musselburgh, home to the second largest horse racing venue in Scotland. Nestled in between the A1 and the Edinburgh City Bypass, it couldn’t be easier to reach.
Musselburgh has a distinguished history that dates back all the way to 1777. It underwent a £7.5 million refurbishment in the mid 1990s, that saw the complete refurbishment of the Edwardian Grandstand and the introduction of several new hospitality facilities.
There is a great choice of races throughout the year, but the highlight is the listed Maggie Dickson Stakes. Run every June, the race is named in honour of a local celebrity famed for escaping the hangman’s noose in the 18th century.
Genting
Don’t fancy venturing out of the city? The Genting casino on York Place could be the ideal spot for you. As well as all the usual table and slot games, this is a popular venue for catching the major sporting events on the big screen – and maybe even having a bet on the outcome.
Non-members are welcome, but as membership is free, it makes sense to join and be kept updated on the various promotions and special offers. Genting is a lively venue that’s popular with gamblers and non-gamblers alike.
