Contrary to common belief, casinos actually have more to offer than slot machines, roulette and blackjack! Some people enjoy the grandeur and excitement a physical casino has to offer without actually playing the games on offer!
If you’re one of those that prefers to spend your time away from the anxiousness and uncertainty that gambling involves, then never fear! Casinos are well-equipped to keep you entertained, whether that be with the help of a fully-stocked bar or wall-mounted televisions for visitors to watch live sport on.
There are also casinos across the pond, particularly in Las Vegas, that, no matter how large or luxurious they look, will have something that everyone can enjoy, even for those looking to spend a wholesome, family holiday there.
But you don’t need to fly across the Atlantic to be able to enjoy the hustle and bustle of a heaving casino, sometimes without having to step a foot into the hall itself. In this article, we’ll be outlining some of the activities you can partake in, whether you’re meeting up with friends for a few drinks or wish to get your Christmas shopping started early, there will be an option that will keep everyone happy.
Things non-gamblers can do in a British casino
There are many activities available to those who would rather steer clear of what casinos are traditionally known for. From live music to spa treatments, you’ll find some way of occupying your time, whilst ensuring that you still have a wildly entertaining, somewhat unconventional, casino experience.
Watch some live music
The likes of Frank Sinatra, Celine Dion, Nelly and P.Diddy, to name a few, have all performed in a casino at some point in their illustrious careers. Where it’s not quite the same as seeing a performance in a large arena or stadium, it makes for a unique musical experience that can only be found in a casino setting.
Appreciate the architecture, charms and features
A prime location where you’ll be able to admire the grandeur and luxury of an old, architecturally magnificent casino is The Rialto. Situated in the heart of London’s world-renowned West End, The Rialto proudly sits within a large, grade II listed building. Recent refurbishments meant that visitors to the casino will easily be able to gaze at its original, restored features.
As a former theatre with a solid heritage, it was once one of the most lavish, luxurious cinematographic theatres to be built in London during 1913. As such, walls are adorned with vintage photographs and prints of some of the most famous stars from the Silver Screen, enabling generations of today to appreciate the iconic faces of stardom across the decades.
Complete with domed ceilings, film lights hang from above, perfectly illuminating the area below. As old meets new, makes for quite the experience, even if you don’t wish to use the casino for conventional means, it’s since become a stop-off point for tourists to the city, especially if they should find themselves in that particular area.
If you’d prefer to take in the view from the outside, that’s fine too, as the exterior is just as grand as the interior. You could even walk around the corner and grab some tickets to one of the latest, up and coming West End shows.
Enjoy a drink and some food
A hub of social interaction, it’s almost a given that a casino will come complete with a trendy, comfortable bar to go alongside its glamourous facade. As such, depending on which casino you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of different food and cuisines, along with an assortment of cocktails and mixers to accompany your meal.
No matter what your tastes are, you’ll be able to choose between a number of food and drink settings, all situated within the grounds of many casinos across the country. Depending on where you go, you’ll have a choice of:
- Fast food chains
- Buffet-style and all-you-can-eat restaurants
- Pubs
- Bars
- Grills
- Bistros
- Fine-dining experiences
With all of those options at your disposal, it’s no wonder that an increasing number of people are looking to use casinos as meeting points, ensuring that friends can eat together in a relaxed environment.
If you’d rather enjoy a beverage as opposed to a meal, then that’s also possible. Casino bars have a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available. From spirits, wines, mixers and cocktails to soft drinks, filtered coffee and even hot chocolate, there’ll be an option for everyone, whether you drink alcohol or not.
People watch and meet new people
These two often come hand in hand, but either can be done without the other. Mingling with different people is often commonplace in a casino, much like it is in a busy bar or pub and so making friends, even if it’s just for the duration you’re in the casino, is part of the experience.
If you’re more introverted, and would rather stay away from the hoards of people surrounding communal seating areas, then perhaps buy a drink and a snack and go and sit in a quiet corner elsewhere. This will give you the perfect opportunity to, discreetly, people watch. Actors and writers alike are known for doing this in order to get into character or to look for inspiration, so it can be done. But the trick, however, is ensuring that you aren’t caught staring or ogling as you could draw unnecessary attention.
Some things you could look for when people watching include:
- Speech
- Body language
- Mannerisms
- Facial expressions
- Relationship dynamics
- Clothes
- Jewellery
- Their activities
Take in some free, live sport
If the screens aren’t located in private areas or behind closed doors, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to order a drink at the bar and then comfortably watch the most talked about sporting event. It’s more common for casinos to have television screens out in communal seating areas, enabling everyone to enjoy the fun that live sports often bring, all without spending any money at all.
Sports that casinos often show include, but are not limited to:
- Horse racing
- Boxing
- Wrestling
- Rugby
- Football
- American football
Go on a shopping trip
Believe it or not, some casinos come complete with tasteful gift shops, so should you want a break from the casino atmosphere, why not go and do some early Christmas shopping or see what you can buy for your friend’s birthday? You’d be surprised about what you can find in a casino gift shop, including the following:
- Greetings cards
- Flowers
- Chocolate
- Jewellery
- Clothing
- Art
Enjoy a spa treatment
There are a few casinos around the country that have a spa within its walls, allowing frequent casino goers to relax after a busy day. These spas are able to cater for both men and women and come equipped to deliver wonderfully calming treatments that are guaranteed to make you feel refreshed. Here are some of the treatments you’ll be able to enjoy:
- Facials
- Pedicures
- Manicures
- Massages
- Haircuts
Things non-gamblers can do in an American casino
Las Vegas, a location renowned for its flamboyant buildings and glamorous lifestyle, is often the go-to place for those wanting to visit casinos. From Caesars Palace to The Stratosphere, you’ll be able to experience a casino-culture like you never have before. Whether you’re wanting to gaze into a shark-filled aquarium or dine at a height of over 1,000 ft with a 360° view of the Las Vegas skyline, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
Here’s what else you can do in and around the Las Vegas casinos
- Watch a show, including Burlesque
- Listen to live music
- Visit observation deck at the top of the Stratosphere
- Dine at the top of The Stratosphere with a 360° view Las Vegas
- Visit a nightclub
- Enjoy a Dongala boat ride in the grounds of The Venetian
- Go shopping in Caesars Palace
- Visit the aquarium in Caesars Palace – view sharks, puffer fish, stingrays and other tropical fish
No matter what it is you decide to do, you’re guaranteed to have a great time while visiting any casino. From enjoying a pint and watching a live football match to eating dinner with friends and starting your Christmas shopping, you’ll be able to have a wonderful experience all without going near a slot machine.
This article was written by Lorna Ball on behalf of NoWagering.com – an online gambling news and comparison website which promotes fairness and transparency, and takes safe and responsible gambling seriously.
As the oldest casino in Europe, the Casino Baden-Baden is not just a gambling venue but a historical site as well. The casino was first opened in the early 1800’s as a spa and gambling location only for the rich with a strict dress code.
