Will Swindon Get a Casino... And Is There Really a Need For One?

Even with so much to see and do in and around Swindon, there's always been the rumour that we're due to have a purpose-built Casino any time soon. But do we really need one?

Swindon has so much to offer. Located in the rural delight of Wiltshire, it’s still an easy commute to London, has great transport links and is a town with a vibrant atmosphere and appeal to locals and visitors alike. From restaurants like Leonardo Ristorantino, The Greek Olive and Helen Browning’s Chop House to bars such as Rudi’s and Longs Bar, there’s more than enough to entertain couples and friends on nights out. And don’t forget clubs like Suju, The Lava Lounge and The Box, or a more cultural trip to take in a play or gig at the Swindon Arts Centre. But unfortunately, one thing that Swindon can’t provide is an evening’s entertainment at a casino. Sitting down at a table for a fun game of black jack, poker or baccarat just isn’t possible within the SN postcode. Is Swindon and its people really missing out because of this?

There are approximately 140 casinos across the UK. About 25 of these are in London, with the rest spread around the nation but all close to major cities and conurbations. The 2005 Gambling Act, which upon proposal had originally looked at massively relaxing the limits of where casinos can be built, was eventually watered down so much that it wasn’t much of an upgrade at all on the stringent 1968 Gaming Act. Put simply, casinos can still only exist in certain areas and talk of the growth of ‘super casino’ resorts some 15 years ago came to nothing in the end.

Over the last 20-odd years, council officials in Swindon have been receptive to the idea of a casino finally being built in Wiltshire. They could see the financial benefits it would bring to the town, the influx of visitors and the business rates it would stand to receive. In 1996 the government earmarked Swindon to be given a casino licence, but this never materialised and gamers must still make treks to places like Bournemouth, Bristol, Southampton and Reading to get their casino fix. In 2011, the council again stated that it would look favourably at permitting a casino to open in the town should the law change. But it is still waiting to even begin such discussions.

While the government dallies over what to do with its antiquated gaming views, the rise of online gaming this century has mercifully moved at a much quicker pace. The best online casino companies now offer everything at a user’s fingertips, from hundreds of slick slot games to roulette, blackjack and video poker. Games have a huge variety of themes, like ancient Egypt, comic crime, 1950s America and deadly dinosaur battles. Online casino games are heavily regulated and controlled in the UK, with maximum bets and the promotion of safe gambling to protect players. What’s more, live casino games transport you to the casino floor and it’s just like you’re sat at a table, for example you can visit the famous 888 live casino where the professional dealers respond to your calls and even address you by your username! When virtual reality technology really takes off through the use of sophisticated headsets, it will become even easier to enter the high-class casino world from the comfort of your living room.

A trip to a 1xBet casino is definitely a fun experience and access to them should be much easier. But even if Swindon has to wait another 20 years to see one appear in bricks and mortar, thankfully there are some very smart casino games to enjoy on your smartphone and tablet.