Leicester has always had a certain edge when it comes to gaming and overall entertainment. The city has long been known for its lively entertainment, where locals and visitors alike can find a place to unwind and enjoy the endless entertainment options. Over the years, the city’s gaming options have grown, mixing traditional gambling spots with more interactive video gaming venues.
Casinos and Gambling Venues
Casinos in Leicester are quite popular and form an important part of the local leisure and tourism economy. The city’s two main casinos, Grosvenor Casino Leicester and Genting Casino Leicester, are both located centrally, attracting a steady flow of visitors.
Grosvenor Casino on Highcross Street is a familiar sight for locals. Open 24 hours, it’s a solid choice for those who want live table games like blackjack and roulette, along with poker tournaments and a well-stocked bar. Its relaxed but lively setting makes it a popular meeting spot for groups of friends looking for a good time.
Genting Casino Leicester, right in the city centre, is much smaller but offers a good mix of slots and croupier-led table games. Its central location is convenient for anyone looking to mix a night out with a few hours at the tables.
In the country, including Leicester, there seems to be a growing preference for online casinos over in-person venues as of early 2025. The number of monthly active online gambling accounts rose 2% to 13.5 million in Q1 of 2025, highlighting many residents’ preference. It also helps that around 55% of Leicester properties are connected to gigabit-capable full fibre broadband, allowing people to enjoy entertainment on the go or from home.
Online casino gaming extends to offshore gambling platforms. These sites tend to offer a wider variety of games and more payment methods, like cryptocurrencies. They are also less restrictive, offering higher limits. Remote gambling expert Liliana Costache explains the appeal of offshore casinos. In her Sky Hills casino overview, Costache explains the availability of games from top software providers, providing more options and variations on popular titles like poker. The casino platform is crypto-friendly, but is limited in terms of payment methods for fiat currencies. The real appeal for many includes the enhanced security, SSL encryption, and that the platform is optimised for mobile gaming. All of these features provided are the reason many prefer online platforms to in-person venues.
Esports and Competitive Gaming
Leicester’s gaming market has expanded to competitive gaming, which has made its mark on the city.
SideQuest Gamers Hub & Bubble Tea
This venue is a unique combination of gaming and social space. It’s a relaxed spot where you can settle in for a console session or join casual tournaments, all while sipping on bubble tea. The atmosphere is welcoming and open to those who want a break from the usual casino fare.
Belong Gaming Arena Leicester
This sleek venue hosts esports tournaments and offers hourly gaming sessions, with state-of-the-art equipment to keep things smooth and competitive. Whether you’re meeting up with friends for a team battle or testing your skills solo, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay for hours.
Clash of the Gamers at Athena Events Venue
This venue is home to larger-scale tournaments that draw crowds from across the city. If you’re after serious competition or just want to watch the action, this venue offers a taste of the competitive gaming world.
Angle Entertainment Leicester
The venue’s broad approach to gaming has everything from console and PC gaming to axe throwing for those who want something a bit different. The atmosphere is laid-back, with a social edge that’s perfect for after-work meetups or weekend plans.
Arcades and Social Gaming
Arcades have always held a certain charm, and Leicester has a few spots that keep the retro spirit alive while adding new twists.
Angle Entertainment Leicester
This is one of the biggest gaming spaces in the city, mixing video games, retro arcade cabinets, and even board games. You can wander from one setup to another, trying out classics or seeing what’s new. It’s an easy place to spend an evening, especially with a group of mates.
Megazone Leicester
This business is known for its laser tag and arcade-style games. It’s a favourite for groups who want something active and a bit competitive. The darkened maze of laser tag is a real workout, while the arcade games provide a chance to chill out between rounds.
Roxy Ball Room on Humberstone Gate
Having gone all-in, Roxy Ball Room offers bowling, pool, and tech darts. It’s a great spot to unwind and see who’s got the best aim, whether you’re bowling a strike or hitting the bullseye.
RoamDome
This place brings something different to Leicester’s gaming and entertainment mix. It’s a centre built around immersive games and experiences that push you out of your comfort zone. With a mix of tech-driven games and interactive challenges, it’s a solid pick for anyone after something beyond the usual arcade.
Boost Leicester
With a lively approach to arcade gaming, Boost offers a mix of arcade machines and interactive zones, it’s a social venue that draws in plenty of groups looking for a few laughs and maybe a bit of bragging rights.
Game of Throwing Leicester
A great spot that focuses entirely on axe throwing. It’s an adult-friendly activity with a bit of an edge, literally. Axe throwing has become a real draw for those wanting to try something off the beaten path.
Lane7 Leicester
This business ties it all together with a mix of bowling, mini golf, and a sports bar feel. During the day, it’s a chilled spot for games and drinks. Once evening hits, it transforms into a lively venue that stays open late, making it a reliable choice for a night out.
Conclusion
Leicester has always been a city that enjoys a good night out, and there’s no shortage of places to let off steam. If you’re more into online gaming, the city’s broadband connections have gigabit speeds that make streaming and gaming smooth and frustration-free. Whether you’re into cards, slots, consoles, or axes, Leicester’s gaming and gambling scene is packed with several options.