Featured Editorials

Genting Westcliff is a beacon on the Essex shoreline. By Peter White

Southend-on-Sea isn’t the first name that comes to mind, perhaps, when thinking of casino destinations. But it’s the home of Genting Casino Westcliff, which looks out on the River Thames from the city’s Western Esplanade. Fifty years ago, it took the place of an outdoor swimming pool and originally operated under the aegis of Brent Walker. Eventually, Genting UK snapped it up for £30 million and hasn’t looked back.

For readers interested in how UK casino venues are evolving more broadly, see our UK Casino Destinations Guide for a full overview of leading land-based destinations and what they offer today.

Casino Life Life interviews Alex Oswald, managing director of Metropolitan Gaming, and Andrew Sackey, senior vice president of commercial strategy at Aristocrat Gaming. By Peter White

At Empire Casino in Leicester Square, Aristocrat Gaming has introduced a dedicated, branded-slot environment to the UK market.

The launch of Aristocrat on the Square has been described as a United Kingdom first. From your perspective, what made Empire Casino the right venue to introduce a dedicated Aristocrat space?

Oswald: Empire Casino was the natural choice to introduce Aristocrat on the Square because of both its scale and its standing within London’s entertainment landscape. Situated in the heart of Leicester Square, the venue benefits from exceptional footfall, attracting a broad mix of local
regulars, destination players and international visitors every day.

Casino Life Magazine Interview with VICI Properties, CEO, Edward Pitoniak  By David McKee

New York City doesn’t have full-fledged casinos yet. But it does already host one of the capitals of the gaming industry, VICI Properties. Born in 2017, out of adversity experienced by Caesars Entertainment, the real estate investment trust (REIT) has become far, far more than a spinoff of the Roman Empire. It has grown to 54 casinos and racinos … and 38 bowling alleys. (More on them below.)

ICE Barcelona finds the UK gaming industry on the verge of exciting, and sometimes worrisome, changes.

As the festivities of  2025 become distant memories, this is inevitably a time when we all take stock, review the past 12 months, consider our goals and hone our plans for the calendar year.

Having now been in the gaming sector for some two-and-a-half years, I personally find myself ever more excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

The pace of change, innovation and development is evident for all to see, especially   within the land-based casino sector. This will, no doubt, be brought into crystal-clear focus at ICE in Barcelona over three days from 19 to 21 January. This is my first ICE, but I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to network, review the latest  technology, and explore innovative solutions to further excite and entertain our customers.