In this comprehensive guide, we will take an in-depth look at the history, features, games, and awards associated with Grosvenor Casinos. We will also explore their online casino offerings and the various promotions and bonuses available for players.
1. History of Grosvenor Casinos
1.1 From County Clubs to Grosvenor Casinos
Grosvenor Casinos initially started as 'County Clubs' before becoming 'Grosvenor Clubs' in 1969. On January 2, 1969, the company officially changed its name to 'Grosvenor Casinos'. Since then, the brand has grown exponentially, acquiring numerous casinos and expanding its online presence.
1.2 Acquisition of the Ricoh Arena Casino
In April 2009, Grosvenor Casinos purchased the casino inside the Ricoh Arena complex in Coventry for £650,000. This acquisition solidified their presence as a major player in the UK casino market.
1.3 Leaving the British Casino Association
In 2009, Grosvenor Casinos announced their departure from the now-defunct British Casino Association (BCA). The BCA was responsible for promoting best practices and influencing UK government legislation surrounding gambling. However, it reportedly failed in promoting and improving the casino industry, leading to Grosvenor's withdrawal.
1.4 Loyalty Card Scheme
Grosvenor Casinos introduced the 'Grosvenor Play Points' loyalty card scheme in May 2012. This initiative resulted from the merging of Grosvenor Casinos and Play Points brands, allowing customers to earn rewards across 35 casinos in the UK.
1.5 Gala Takeover
In May 2013, Grosvenor Casinos completed their takeover of 19 casinos from the Gala Coral Group, making them the largest casino network in the UK. A previous deal in 2012 to acquire 23 casinos from Gala had stalled due to decisions by the Competition Commission and Office of Fair Trading.
1.6 Redtooth Partnership
In April 2014, Grosvenor Casinos announced a two-year partnership with Redtooth Poker, the world's largest live pub poker tournament group. This partnership integrated Redtooth Poker and Grosvenor's own poker tournament, the Grosvenor UK Poker Tournament (GUKPT).
2. Live Events at Grosvenor Casinos
2.1 The Goliath Poker Event
In March 2011, Grosvenor Casinos announced the launch of a new poker event called the Goliath. Designed to attract up to 1,500 players, the Goliath featured an initial buy-in of £100 + £20 and offered a guaranteed prize pool of £100,000. The event has since grown in popularity, with the 2014 Goliath becoming the largest poker tournament ever held outside of the US, boasting a total of 3,394 players.
2.2 Mount Snowdon Charity Poker Event
In September 2011, Grosvenor employees played the highest poker tournament on record at the top of Mount Snowdon. This 3,500 ft. stunt aimed to raise money for the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity, ultimately collecting a total of £11,000.
3. Controversies Surrounding Grosvenor Casinos
In December 2006, staff walked out of four Grosvenor Casinos in London due to disputes over pay increases. A month later, around 300 workers went on strike over the same ongoing issue.
In September 2014, Northern Ireland's Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, dismissed the idea of opening a Grosvenor Casino in the region due to the ongoing ban on casinos.
4. Technology and Innovation at Grosvenor Casinos
4.1 Cheating Detection Software
In November 2011, Grosvenor Casinos installed software developed by Ipsotek that detects cheating at roulette tables. The software is linked to CCTV cameras monitoring the table at all times, ensuring fair play.
4.2 Pinball Roulette Machines
In October 2012, Grosvenor Casinos introduced Pinball Roulette machines, offering single-player roulette games launched by a pinball-style trigger. This innovation gave players more control over their gaming experience.
4.3 Live Casino Online
In November 2013, Evolution Gaming joined forces with Grosvenor Casinos to create a 'Live Casino' experience for online players. The live game system is designed to replicate a real casino environment, offering games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
4.4 IGT Cloud Technology
In July 2013, Grosvenor Casinos in London, Reading, and Coventry introduced the IGT Cloud, a multi-site cloud casino experience offering analytical reporting tools for game-by-game performance insights. This technology allows operators to remotely change games on the floor for a more customized gambling experience.
4.5 Tensator Virtual Casino Hosts
In 2014, Grosvenor Casinos partnered with Tensator to create virtual casino hosts. The Tensator Virtual Assistant Ultra replicates a live game in real-time, providing players with a range of information and frequently asked questions.
4.6 Jumio Netverify Solution
In February 2014, The Rank Group and Grosvenor Casinos integrated Jumio's Netverify solution into their online database for more efficient customer identification procedures. Customers are required to scan their passport or driving licence, which Netverify then authenticates using various security features.
4.7 Launch of Sports Betting Offering
In November 2016, Grosvenor Casinos confirmed the launch of a new sports betting offering for their online and land-based players, further expanding their gaming portfolio.
4.8 The Rialto and The Vic Online Brands
In 2022, two new niche online casino brands, The Rialto and The Vic, complemented the Grosvenor Casino brand. These online casino products represent popular real-world venues in London, extending Grosvenor Casino's digital footprint.
5. Awards and Recognition for Grosvenor Casinos
5.1 International Gaming Awards
Grosvenor and Rank were awarded the 'Casino Operator of the Year' award at the 2013 International Gaming Awards. Rank Group also received the 'Socially Responsible Operator of the Year Land Based' award in 2014 and 2015.
5.2 Women in Gaming Awards
Grosvenor Casinos' HR team received the Team of the Year award at the Women in Gaming independent annual awards in June 2012. The team, led by Fiona Regan, was recognized for their successful Hearts and Minds initiative, focusing on internal and employee recognition. In 2014, the team won the same award, as well as the Inspiration of the Year award.
6. Grosvenor Online Casino: Gaming on the Go
The Grosvenor Casino App brings the excitement of a real casino to your fingertips, offering a wide range of online slots and casino games with diverse themes. Licensed by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and the UK Gambling Commission, Grosvenor's online casino ensures a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
Players can access live casino games, daily jackpots, casino table and card games, and participate in promotions and bonuses through the app. With a user-friendly interface and seamless navigation, finding the perfect game has never been easier.
7. Grosvenor Live Casinos
With 57 Grosvenor live casinos across the UK, players can enjoy a unique gaming experience in a stylish and modern setting. These casinos feature a range of gaming options, including roulette, blackjack, poker, and slot machines, as well as in-house restaurants, bars, and live entertainment.
Whether you're a seasoned casino goer or new to the world of gambling, Grosvenor Casinos offers a comprehensive and engaging experience for all. With a focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and responsible gaming, Grosvenor Casinos continues to set the standard for casino entertainment in the UK.