Out with the old and in with the new, as the sweeping strokes of refurbishment are going across England. Genting Casino Stratford is the latest in a line of newly decorated casinos, showing a strong case of success in the thriving industry and casino practices in England. Their new place in East London will have the bragging rights of being the largest casino in the UK. And while everything is brand new, it’s built out of necessity, as online casinos are still posing a significant competition.
Physical presence in a digital age
The upgraded Genting Stratford now spans a broad footprint of machines, tables, and entertainment space. It includes 150 slot machines, over 100 electronic terminals, and dozens of poker and traditional table games. Genting has invested millions into the site, updating both the gaming technology and customer areas, including bars, lounges, and a refreshed rewards program. And why did they do something drastic like this? Physical casinos have to compete with online versions, which offer more games, faster payouts, and more control over how you play.
They also include crypto payments, adding a layer of accessibility and anonymity, which is hard to compete with when you are in a physical location. There are also a number of other benefits that Charlie Pearson’s guide to bitcoin casinos covers, as the race for the best casino intensifies. One thing is for certain, and that is that more competition is always beneficial to the end players.
This kind of physical investment reflects a commitment to experience. A belief that in-person casinos still hold cultural weight. A venue like Stratford can offer sensory immersion, human interaction, and atmosphere, all of which still appeal to many. Yet this revitalization comes during a time when online gambling platforms are eating into that very experience-led niche. Time will tell who’s right and who will come up on top.
Online platforms reshape the competition
Especially post-2020, online casinos have eroded traditional gambling boundaries and have exploded in popularity. Players don’t need to dress up, travel, or wait for a seat at a blackjack table. The shift hasn’t been gradual; it’s been more of a landslide. Mobile-first design, fast deposits, loyalty perks, and constant game variety make the digital experience simply accessible.
From a financial standpoint, online casinos now dominate UK gambling revenue. Plenty has changed through the years, and the lucrative title of which casino is the most profitable has shifted. Companies operating without physical overhead can redirect costs into UX design, exclusive bonuses, and aggressive marketing. Even smaller platforms operate with technical agility that land-based venues struggle to match. Stratford’s relaunch feels less like a revival of dominance and more like a high-stakes defense. They are going all-in, and seemingly have the winning hand.
Why do people still walk through the door?
Despite the pull of convenience online, not every gambler wants to play in isolation. For poker players in particular, body language, crowd dynamics, and live events still hold significance. Genting Stratford’s poker floor, one of the largest in the country, caters to that demand. Regular tournaments and in-person series create moments that digital formats can’t entirely replicate. The smell, sight, and sound of a live casino is something that the digital platform can not replicate.
The glamour is so much present that it’s the ace up any physical casino’s sleeve. There’s also a social appeal at play. Casinos double as nightspots. Stratford’s relaunch includes live entertainment, DJ sets, and food offerings. These help draw in casual visitors who may never spin a roulette wheel. Whether they become regulars is harder to predict.
The rise of gamification
Online platforms lead when it comes to engagement mechanics, and even businesses gamify everything as the trend catches on. Tiered challenges, daily missions, and animated wins—all mirror mobile gaming logic. Genting’s My Genting app, tied to the relaunch, attempts to offer something similar. Players can unlock “badges” and rewards through continued play, with some discounts tied to their in-app activity. It’s a start, though it doesn’t yet match the seamlessness seen online.
If land-based operators want to compete on more than nostalgia, they’ll need to evolve beyond live events and decor. Younger gamblers grew up inside digital feedback loops. Every click has a response. That expectation doesn’t disappear when they walk through the door of a real casino.
