Alea Casino Review

Located in the vibrant city of Glasgow, Alea Casino offers a diverse entertainment experience, blending traditional casino gaming with a range of leisure amenities. From its gaming floor to its dining options and recreational facilities, Alea aims to provide a comprehensive night out for visitors.

Gaming Experience 🎲

Alea Casino provides a variety of gaming options catering to different preferences:

1. Table Games: The casino features numerous live table games, including blackjack and roulette. While roulette tables are present, some visitors have noted a prevalence of roulette machines. For blackjack players, it's worth noting that some tables reportedly offer 6-to-5 payouts for blackjack, which is less favorable than the traditional 3-to-2. Shuffling machines are commonly used at these tables, a practice increasingly standard in casinos.
2. Poker: Downstairs, poker enthusiasts will find a considerable number of poker tables. However, one specific tournament experience raised concerns, with a user reporting a dealer also acting as a player and suspicions regarding hand shuffling methods. It was noted that an automatic card shuffler was not used in this instance, leading to perceived unfairness.
3. Machines: Beyond live tables, there is a large selection of roulette machines and slot machines for those who prefer electronic gaming.

Amenities & Facilities ✨

Alea Casino extends beyond just gaming, offering several spaces for relaxation, dining, and socializing:

• The Waterfront Restaurant: Situated upstairs, this restaurant boasts a great view over the River Clyde, including the iconic Squinty Bridge. It's highlighted as an excellent spot for a meal, especially prior to attending nearby music venues. Guests consistently praise the attentive staff and the quality of the food.
• Bars & Drinks: Drinks are generally considered to be a reasonable price for a casino, with friendly bar staff. The bar in the function hire room, in particular, has received commendation for its impressive menu and excellent service, with specific mentions of staff like Louis and Dimos for their cocktail making.
• Recreational Activities: For those looking for non-gaming entertainment, the casino includes pool tables and dart boards downstairs.
• Function Hire Room: Alea offers dedicated spaces for private parties and events, with positive feedback on the bar, food, and service provided in these areas.
• Outdoor Space: A significant advantage is the ability to smoke outside on the balcony, which also offers good views.
• Parking: Ample parking is available, adding to the convenience for visitors.

Staff & Service 🤝

A recurring theme in reviews is the commendation for the casino's staff. From the reception area to the gaming floor and restaurant, staff members are consistently described as very friendly and attentive. This contributes significantly to an overall positive experience for many visitors, whether they are regulars or first-timers.

Atmosphere & Ambiance 🌆

The gaming floor itself is designed with an open plan layout, providing various areas for guests to sit, relax, or enjoy a meal alongside their gaming. The general atmosphere is often described as amazing, making it a suitable choice for a "special night out." The views from the upstairs restaurant and the balcony further enhance the overall ambiance.

Points for Consideration 🤔

While generally well-received, prospective visitors should be aware of a few points:

• Blackjack Rules: Be mindful of the 6-to-5 payout rule for blackjack, as it affects player odds.
• Poker Fairness: The single negative review regarding manual shuffling in a poker tournament and perceived unfairness highlights a potential area of inconsistency in game management, specifically concerning poker. Most tables elsewhere use shuffling machines.

Conclusion

Alea Casino in Glasgow stands out as a well-rounded entertainment venue. It offers a broad spectrum of gaming, complemented by a highly-regarded restaurant with scenic views, friendly and attentive staff, and additional recreational facilities. While some specific gaming rules or instances of manual shuffling in poker have drawn minor criticism, the overall consensus points to Alea Casino being a gem of a gaming facility and a worthwhile destination for a night out in Glasgow.