The county of Essex has a certain reputation when it comes to style and class, a reputation not helped by TV shows such as The Only Way Is Essex. Some might argue that Southend only adds to that seedy reputation but those are people who do not know this town, perched on the southern tip of the county overlooking the Thames estuary. For our purposes, not only does Southend have the world’s longest pleasure pier, it also has three casinos.
Rendezvous Casino
The Rendezvous may appear to be independent but it’s actually part of Caesars Entertainment. It’s located on the seafront just east of the pier and shares the site of the Kursaal, one of the world’s first amusement parks.
For slots players it’s all about the Novomatic & IGT games at the Rendezvous with multi-game cabinets alongside classics such as Pharaoh’s Fortune and Cleopatra. A number of the Novomatics are also hooked up to a progressive network with a top prize of £10,000.
All other casino games are here – Poker, Blackjack, Punto Banco, Roulette – along with the rummy derivative Kalooki and Mahjong.
For refreshment you can try out Elements Restaurant, The Strip Bistro or the Fahrenheit Bar and there’s usually plenty of live music on at the latter.
Website: https://southend.rendezvouscasino.com/casino
Genting Club, Westcliff
The Genting Club is also on the seafront but just west of the pier and this is a 24/7 casino which comes with the service you expect from this huge company.
IGT and Novomatic slots are in attendance along with multigame cabinets and for other diversions there’s Roulette, Blackjack, Poker (inc. Texas Hold’em) and Baccarat.
The Fahrenheit Restaurant here is worth a visit with it’s panoramic view out over the estuary and reviews suggest that this place puts on a decent Christmas party.
You don’t have to be a member to play here but there’s free parking available if you do sign up.
Website: https://www.gentingcasinos.co.uk/club/westcliff/
Grosvenor Casino
The Grosvenor is probably our favourite in Southend even though it’s set back from the seafront, adjoining The Royals shopping centre. It’s the most spacious and we’ve always felt very welcome here.
Being a Grosvenor, Novomatic, WMS Gaming and IGT slots are available to play along with poker and the usual table games.
The restaurant and bar are separate from each other and this is handy because the bar has one of the biggest HD TVs you’ll ever watch sport on. This casino is open 24/7.
Website: https://www.grosvenorcasinos.com/local-casinos/southend-on-sea