Newcastle Casino and Poker Reviews

Casino and Poker life in Newcastle

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK, located in the northeast of England, is one of the top ten night spots in the UK, as well as 7th in the entire world. With a reputation for fun, casinos are a central part of the Newcastle nightlife for both visitors and locals (Geordies) alike. The people of Tyneside are known to be exceptionally friendly, and their public transportation makes getting from one area to another quite convenient, even though it is pleasant to walk, as well, weather permitting.  (For a satirical look at the life of Newcastle residents be sure to watch the Vic and Bob sketch at the foot of this page).

There are three large casinos in Newcastle upon Tyne that offer games of chance and games of poker for those who want to enjoy a bit of fun and gambling, both tourists and those who live in the area. These casinos are situated in different locations throughout the city, making it convenient for nearly anyone who wants to play to find a place not too far from where they are. Each offers its own special promotions and has certain amenities available to players, which will be summarised in the following paragraphs.

Newcastle comes alive at night

Aspers At The Gate Casino, Newcastle

Aspers at the Gate has three floors of entertainment, including a variety of gaming tables and slot machines, in a building containing about 45,000 square feet. Some of the games that are offered, along with slot machines, are Blackjack, Wheel of Fortune, Punto Banco, American Roulette, and Three card poker. The casino also brings in live entertainment, game shows, and sports on large plasma televisions in the bar throughout the week, adding to the exciting atmosphere and fun at Aspers. They add new games to their repertoire regularly in order to keep things fresh for players, so you can have new aspects to your experience every time you visit. Many of the slot machines offer jackpots of £4,000, and there are a variety of slot machines from which to choose.

Their poker room has recently been renovated to increase its size to double its original size, and the casino offers Texas Hold’Em and Omaha Poker games. There are weekly tournaments and cash games hosted at the Aspers, as well, with cash games beginning at 2pm every day and 24 hours over the weekends. There is a small registration fee required for players to join the tournaments, but the prize pools are guaranteed, and many are as much as £2,000. Aspers is the casino that hosted the PokerStars UK and Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT) in 2011. It is easy to find a time to play, since Aspers is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Anyone over 18 is welcome and allowed to play (but please have a photo identification if you look under 21). Relaxed casual clothing is the standard dress at this casino, so you can dress comfortably (but not sloppy, of course). A loyalty club is available, allowing club member’s access to exclusive offers. The club is free to join, and an application is available on their web site as well as in the casino itself.

There is a bar across the side of the gaming floor, allowing patrons to grab something cold and delicious while watching the games, as well as the bar mentioned previously in which the entertainment occurs. Aspers offers private entertainment packages, as well, for parties of up to 150 people. These packages include food, entertainment, and other optional items or helpers (such as live vocalists, DJ, etc). The casino is located on Newgate Street in Newcastle. Parking is free, and public transportation is conveniently accessible.

The Poker Room at Aspers Casino

Genting Casino, Newcastle

Genting Casino is, like many casinos, more than just a place to gamble, although gambling plays a large part, of course. With 26 gaming tables, including American Roulette, Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Electronic Roulette, Big Six and Baccarat, there is something for pretty much everyone. Membership in the Genting Rewards program will allow you to amass Genting Points, which can be used for drinks, food, bets, or vouchers, as well as similar benefits at other Genting locations. The Rewards card can also hold money for you, allowing you to play machines without the need for cash on hand. The Rewards program is free to join.

Unlike casinos you see in the movies, Genting does not require fancy formal clothing like tuxes and formal dresses; smart casual is the way to go (but leave your muscle shirts and sloppy clothing home, please), and no hats are allowed for the security and safety of all of the patrons. Drinks are readily available, and you can watch the games until you are ready to play, as long as you stand back so the players can be seated at the table. Photography is not permitted in the gaming area. You may use your mobile phone in non-gaming areas, as long as you are not rude to other patrons in your use of it. Genting has an exquisite restaurant featuring your choice of a three course meal, a snack, and a buffet.

Genting Casino also includes a bar and live entertainment, allowing you to easily enjoy a meal, a snack, and a drink while you are enjoying your evening. You must be 18 to enter the casino; please have photo id if you look under 21. The Genting offers regular promotions, as well as specials on their food and drinks. A large variety of poker tournaments are also available at the Genting, with minimum prize pots for many of the games. Each tournament has an entry fee, ranging from £2 - £224, depending on the game. These regular tournaments include weekend tournaments as well as daily games. You can register for a competition over the phone, if you prefer. Genting also offers online versions of their casino games and poker, through their web site.

The casino is located on Forth Street, behind Central Station, and is open 7 days a week from noon until 7am. Parking is free, and a heated smoking area is available to those who desire it. Access for the disabled is also readily available.

The Grosvenor G Casino in Newcastle

Grosvenor G Casino is a pleasantly comfortable casino where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy. With more than 25,500 square feet of gaming space, it offers gaming tables, electronic roulette tables, and slot machines. There are a variety of slot machines available to players with jackpots up to £4,000, and other games offered by the casino including Blackjack, Roulette, Electronic Roulette, and more. The casino features a poker room that seats 100 people, including some “learn to play” tables that are available daily from noon until 8pm for players who are new to the game. G casino hosts regular cash poker tournaments both daily and weekly. There are special packages you can purchase to enhance your poker experience, as well.  G Casino hosts the Newcastle leg of the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour each year.

The casino has an excellent restaurant with exotic foods from a variety of cuisines, as well as a buffet, and a bar stocked with an amazing range of wines, beers, and spirits. The late night bar also offers delicious and fast snacks, along with live entertainment ranging from solo artists to live bands. Packages are available to purchase for celebrations and corporate events, and there are also special packages available for individuals to enhance your gaming experience. Anyone over 18 is welcome, and photo identification is required on the first visit. Smart casual dress is the standard, though some dress more formally, and sportswear is discouraged.

The casino is located on St James Boulevard, and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. G Casino has facilities available to aid the disabled as well as an area available for those who choose to smoke. G Casino has an exclusive VIP club available to their most valued players that allows members access to special online gaming options, personal service that beats all, more offers and promotions, and opportunities personalized to the individual.

Poker in Newcastle

Along with these large establishments, poker games (both small games and tournaments) are available at pubs around the area, as well, although these are not always as well advertised as the casinos’ games are. These pubs include Coach & Horses, Jolly Miller, Hetton, Chili Road, and others. There are many tournaments that are played around the area, with players ranging from locals to players from Ireland and Scotland. There is also a local group called the Newcastle Poker Forum (they actually have a forum online) that arranges poker events for members, and offers information about leagues online. Another poker group in the Newcastle area is the Amateur Poker Association (Newcastle Poker Club), which offers events and championships.   

If you are interested in a casino experience in your own venue without the gain or loss of real money, there is also a company in Newcastle called the Newcastle Fun Casino Company that provides a mobile fun casino for special events. They supply tables, croupiers and staff, as well as photographs, prizes, chips, cards, accessories, and everything you need for a fun casino night – except the people (you arrange for those).  They are great for fund raisers, celebrations, conferences, and other events, and are for entertainment only.

A humourous appreciation of Newcastle residents