New research highlights casinos’ role in drawing visitors to town and city centres

New research has highlighted the contribution Britain’s land-based casinos make to local economies, with findings suggesting they play a significant role in attracting people into town and city centres and supporting neighbouring businesses.

The study, unveiled at an event hosted by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) at London’s Hippodrome Casino, found that 41.1 per cent of surveyed casino customers said they would otherwise have stayed at home, while 55 per cent said they probably or definitely would not have visited the local area without the casino. More than seven in ten respondents (72.1 per cent) reported using at least one other local business during their visit.

The findings are contained in the report, Beyond Gaming: The Evolution of Britain’s Land-Based Casinos as Nightlife Destinations, which explores how modern casinos have evolved beyond gaming venues to become broader hospitality, leisure and entertainment destinations. The report argues that casinos help support jobs, local businesses and the wider night-time economy.

According to the research, Britain’s 108 licensed casinos support approximately 14,000 direct and indirect jobs and attract nearly 14 million visits each year. The report also highlights the sector’s plans for future growth, with operators identifying around £200 million of planned capital investment over the next five years in areas including hospitality facilities, entertainment spaces and customer experiences.

If preferred, you can remove the quote section below for a more factual, news-desk style article.

Michael Kill, Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said the findings demonstrated the role casinos can play in encouraging people to spend time in town and city centres.

He said:

“Britain’s high streets need businesses that give people a reason to leave home and spend time in our towns and cities. More than four in ten surveyed casino customers would otherwise have stayed at home, and almost three-quarters used another local business.

“Modern casinos support jobs, hospitality, entertainment and neighbouring businesses. That contribution deserves recognition in the national conversation about high-street regeneration.”

Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said the research showed casinos were contributing to local economies beyond the gaming sector.

She said:

“These findings show that Britain’s casinos have a vital role to play in supporting our high streets, creating jobs and bringing people into our towns and cities.

“Casinos are about much more than gaming. They are major employers and entertainment destinations, supporting restaurants, bars, hotels and countless other businesses that depend on a thriving visitor economy.”