The UK has seen a steady rise in both Airbnb bookings and casino tourism. But while coastal escapes and countryside lodges tend to dominate most property investment guides, one niche remains overlooked: buying short-term rentals near casinos — including casinos not on Gamstop, which attract a steady flow of visitors looking for more flexible gambling options.
The Appeal of Casino Guests
Casino visitors are a very different audience compared to the typical weekend holiday maker or family on a countryside break. These travellers tend to plan with purpose. They don’t browse aimlessly or book last-minute getaways based on weather — they arrive for something specific. Often, it’s a poker tournament, a boxing night, a show hosted within the casino complex, or simply a weekend immersed in nightlife.
Unlike budget-conscious tourists who might compare prices for weeks, casino guests book based on proximity and experience. Their goal is convenience: they want to walk to the venue, get home safely late at night, and relax in a space that feels more like a retreat than a hotel corridor.
High Intent = High Spend
Casino guests are typically higher spenders. Many of them are professionals, couples celebrating something special, or social groups treating themselves to a high-energy weekend. As a result, they’re more willing to pay for comfort, privacy, and flexibility. If your Airbnb has modern amenities, fast Wi-Fi, stylish interiors, and a late check-in policy, you’re already speaking their language.
On average, these guests stay for two or three nights, and what’s notable is their daily spend is often higher than other short-term rental visitors. They eat out, order taxis, tip well, and may book extras like spa treatments or in-house services if available. That means the income per stay can rival, or exceed, longer bookings from more price-sensitive travellers.
Group Travel and Celebration Culture
A significant proportion of casino-related travel comes from small groups: stag parties, double-date weekends, friend reunions. These guests are looking for properties that sleep 4–6 people comfortably and allow for a shared experience. Think lounge areas, dining tables, and two bathrooms. Listings with flexible sleeping arrangements — e.g., sofa beds or zip-link beds — have a big advantage in this market.
Your Airbnb becomes part of the celebration, not just a base. That’s why thoughtful touches like LED mood lighting, Bluetooth speakers, or a stocked coffee shelf can go a long way. These are not checklist features — they’re part of the atmosphere guests are paying for.
Business and Corporate Travel with a Leisure Edge
Beyond social stays, casino districts often attract business travellers and corporate guests. Many casinos host networking events, conferences, product launches, and VIP hospitality packages. In these cases, guests might be coming on behalf of a company but still want somewhere relaxing to stay outside of a standard hotel setting.
This crossover between business and leisure (commonly called “bleisure” travel) makes nearby Airbnb listings especially attractive. These guests appreciate fast check-in, a clean workspace, ironing facilities, and a calm environment — while still enjoying being close to the nightlife if they choose to head out after hours.
Why Airbnb Works Better Than Hotels
Hotels near popular casinos, especially in city centres like London or Manchester, can be fully booked during big events — or simply too expensive for groups who want to stay together. Airbnb properties often fill that gap by offering more space, privacy, and flexibility at a better nightly rate per person.
For guests visiting non GamStop casinos, short-term rentals are particularly appealing. They provide a low-key, comfortable setting without the bureaucracy of formal hotel systems, and they let guests manage their stay on their own terms.
Where Demand Exists
Not all UK casinos are created equal. Some sit in quiet towns with little surrounding footfall. Others are part of larger entertainment complexes that draw regular traffic.
Cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds all host major casinos with strong visitor numbers. In seaside locations like Brighton or Blackpool, casinos double as tourist hubs, pulling in guests year-round. Buying near these venues gives you access to two markets: traditional tourists and casino-goers.
In places like Leicester Square, where The Hippodrome operates at the heart of London’s nightlife, nearby Airbnbs benefit from the spillover effect of busy evenings. Meanwhile, more suburban casinos — like those near event centres in Coventry or Nottingham — can draw consistent weekend demand from wedding parties, stag groups, and corporate retreats.
Look for properties within walking distance of:
- Grosvenor Casinos (nationwide)
- Aspers (London, Newcastle, Northampton)
- Hippodrome Casino (Leicester Square, London)
- Genting venues near event centres or hotels
What Airbnb Guests Actually Want
A guest coming to play poker all weekend is different from someone hiking in the Lakes. Your setup should reflect that. Key features include:
- Late-night accessibility – Key safes or smart locks are non-negotiable
- Noise insulation – Casino guests might return late; soundproofing protects your reviews
- Flexible checkout – A noon or later checkout time allows for recovery after long nights
- Good lighting and mirrors – Not for selfies, but for getting ready for a night out
Extras like poker-themed decor, minibar fridges, or blackout curtains can make your property stand out without costing a fortune. You can also offer small luxuries such as a coffee machine, robes, or complimentary snacks that align with the casino-going mood.
Another important detail is offering transport information. Simple directions to the nearest casino, taxi contacts, or even walkable pub suggestions can make your listing more attractive for spontaneous travellers who aren’t local to the area.
Returns and Occupancy Potential
The financial angle matters. Areas near casinos often enjoy higher weekend occupancy rates. During events or high-traffic periods, nightly rates can spike well above average, especially if hotels are booked out. That said, weekdays may be slower unless you’re also capturing commuter or corporate stays.
Occupancy rates can be particularly strong around dates like New Year’s Eve, boxing events, gaming conventions, or live shows held inside larger casino venues. If you pay attention to the event calendar, you can adjust pricing dynamically to make the most of surges in demand.
Properties in these locations may not appreciate as quickly as in up-and-coming family suburbs — but the rental yields can be excellent, particularly with thoughtful interior styling and guest-centric extras. A property that sleeps four or more will be especially valuable to small groups attending casino weekends.
Risks to Watch Out For
This niche comes with trade-offs. Your guests might party late. There may be more wear-and-tear from back-to-back weekend bookings. Reviews may vary more wildly depending on expectations.
Also, some local councils in the UK are cracking down on short-term lets, especially in city centres. Always check licensing rules and property use restrictions. If the casino is in a hotel zone, planning laws may be stricter.
You’ll want to screen guests carefully and use smart tools like:
- External security cameras (door only)
- Noise sensors (non-intrusive)
- Smart locks with time-limited codes
- ID verification systems (through Airbnb or third-party tools)
These systems help maintain control while giving guests freedom. They also give peace of mind to neighbours and can prevent awkward situations before they happen.
Final Thoughts
Investing in Airbnb properties near UK casinos won’t appeal to everyone. But for landlords who understand short-term rental dynamics and know how to market to event-driven guests, it’s a strategy that can pay off.
You’re not just offering a bed. You’re offering a base for adrenaline, nightlife, and weekend breaks. In cities where hotels are expensive or frequently booked, well-located Airbnbs offer a genuine alternative — often with better margins.
Casino-linked travel isn’t going anywhere. And in a world where traditional holiday lets are facing saturation, this niche gives you a strategic way to stay profitable while standing out.
