Genting Casino Manchester

The Genting club, bang in the centre of the city, is the one that used to be called the Circus until a recent refurbishment. It’s a huge basement location, handily placed right next to a Wetherspoons and under a Travelodge.

It looks like they’ve spent a fortune on updating the place – not before time, as on my previous visit the place looked pretty ratty – and they’ve done a great job. As with many new casinos, it’s all warm browns and steely greys, which give the place a great atmosphere. They have their Fahrenheit branded restaurant in place, and a number of nooks and corners for a quiet drink if you don’t want to get into the gaming action right away.

The gaming floor is pretty big, and it’s fair to say it’s – well – vibrant. Lots of Chinese action, and the whole place has a real gamer’s atmosphere. The slots are somewhat unattractively lined up along one side of the pit, and of course have Genting’s signature, their loyalty / membership card – you can’t cash out without one, which has fooled many a first time player. In fact the service wasn’t the best on my visit, with two bouncers scowling away behind the (locked) swing doors, and only a revolving door available for access.

The rest of the service was excellent however, and judging by the level of business the offer is just right. They offer everything you’d expect form a casino on this scale, with Mah Jong, Poker, a VIP area and a really rather pleasant bar and restaurant experience.

Manchester is a city well served for casinos, and as always location’s the biggest thing in terms of getting the lion’s share of the business. The money Genting have spent getting the place looking right looks to have booked their spot at the top table for a while to come.