Biggest Casino Operator in the UK?

A few years ago the title of biggest casino operator would have surely gone to a land-based operative. However with the increasing popularity of online casinos, especially in recent years, the decision is not as straightforward.

Although land-based casinos in the UK remain popular, at the same time there is a thriving online gambling market that has grown exponentially. Not only can people play at online casinos whenever they want, but they also have access to free bonuses that land-based casinos don’t offer – such as a £20 free no deposit casino.

So, who is the biggest casino operator in the UK? In order to determine who is the undisputed giant of the gambling world in the UK, we have to evaluate who qualifies for such a title.

Thus, in his article, we shall see who amongst the land-based operators and the online casino operators fits the list.

Land-based casino operators

In the UK, there are approximately 140 casinos. Hundred of these venues are owned by the three largest gambling companies in the country: Gala Coral Group, Grosvenor, and Genting Casinos.

All three companies own numerous casino brands in the UK, some of which are well-known all over the world with a solid reputation backing them up.

Gala Coral Group, has been involved in various types of gambling: casino venues, bingo, and sports betting for many years. The company is well-known for its purchase of Ladbrokes casino in 2001, which helped it acquire a strong presence in the country with 26 casinos, 6 of which situated in Scotland.

Grosvenor is perhaps the second-largest casino operator in the UK. Owned by Rank Group PLC, they have 35 venues across the country. Grosvenor is particularly known for its poker room, making them a big breaker in the UK poker scene. They have the biggest poker room network in the UK, a surprising fete in itself as poker is considered by many casinos a major source of loss due to the extremely low house edge.

Genting Casinos is the biggest operator in terms of venues, with 45 casinos in the UK. They own well-known brands like Maxims Casinos, Circus Casinos, Mint Casinos, Crockfords, The Colony Club and Palm Beach Casino. Apart from these, they have an additional casino known by its former name: Stanley Casino. All of the Genting casinos are distinctive, touching every kind of players from the high-rollers, true gamblers, and flashy players.

There are other operators in the UK, however, the above three operatives account for 75% of all land-based casinos. Genting is undoubtedly the largest casino owners with a history that goes back to the 1970s when it started purchasing casinos and renovating them. But let us take a look at who qualifies for the biggest casino operator from the online gambling community.

Online Casino operators

Although all of the above-mentioned operators are well-known for their brick and mortar casinos, the rise of online gambling, non gamstop sites, means that each one has realized the industry potential, prompting the launch of a casino website.

The Gala Coral group has not only bought the Ladbrokes casino in 2001 but in recent years has gone ahead and launched an online gambling platform of the same name. Players visiting the site can play numerous casino games like slots, blackjack, baccarat and Roulette.

Grosvenor has also launched an online gambling platform by the name of Grosvenor Casino. The launch of such a website has expanded the operation of the company from the brick and mortar casinos to the internet, in doing so exploring all market possibilities.

And even the largest casino group of the UK, Genting, couldn’t stay away from the increased popularity of online casinos. Their online Genting Casino offers everything a player would expect from a gambling site.

So who is the biggest casino operator? 

The above online casinos are only well-known because of their land-based counterparts, as there are other online casino operators that are worth millions in today’s ever-expanding digital world.

Depending on how you view the term ‘biggest casino operator’, the answer to that would change. If you are looking at casino venues, the answer will surely by Genting Casinos, but if your focus is based on the online operators, then that would require a completely different response. With two sides to the coin, UK Casinos, these days can either be what is becoming perceived as traditional or the innovative versions found in the virtual world.