Alea Casino, Glasgow, Scotland

The venue, including the bars, the casino, and the restaurants are open for business seven days a week. For specific opening times for gaming and the casino, it is open from twelve o’clock midday until 8 am the following morning every day except Christmas Day. Table games are open and operating during the week (Monday to Friday) from 4 pm until the following morning at 6 am. On the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) they open slightly earlier at 2 pm and close the following morning at 6 am.

The opening hours for dining at the restaurant is Monday to Saturday from 5 pm until 11 pm, and on Sunday from 3 pm until 11 pm. The Long Bar is open for refreshments and food from 5 pm until 5.30am every day of the week.

Finally, the Sports Bar is open for business from 12 midday until 8 am and is licensed to sell alcohol from 12 midday until 6 am.

There is a dress code at the casino but nothing too stringent nor are there any complicated requirements that might put someone off or make them feel uncomfortable. The casino wants punters to feel relaxed and comfortable so their recommendation is for smart casual clothing. A jacket is not a requirement though of course, they are perfectly acceptable if that is your personal style. For those who like a more relaxed look, they do allow trainers and jeans as long as they are smart, presentable and neat.

The casino holds a lot of tournaments on a regular basis along with one-off events so it pays to check in with the website to see if there is something coming up that may interest you. With regards to their regular poker tournaments, they have set events almost every single day of the week. Here is the line up:

Mega Monday – There is a guaranteed jackpot of £2000 for this comp. £20 and £10 add-ons are involved as well as 20k and 20k stacks. The registration for the event starts at 7 pm and kicks off at 8 pm – late entries are able to join in up until 10.30pm.

Tasty Tuesday – Has a jackpot of at least £1500 for this event. It will cost you £35 to enter and involves a 25k stack. Like Monday, registration starts at 7 pm and the fun begins at 8 pm with late registrations allowed until 10.30pm.

3 Grand Thursday – Like the name says £3000 is up for grabs in this comp. The buy-in is £50 and is played with a 20k stack. Once again lock in 7 pm as the time when registrations open and the comp begins at 8 pm sharp, with latecomers welcome until 10.30pm.

Triple Friday – Friday night has £1250 as guaranteed winnings for the lucky and skillful punter. The comp offers £10 plus £10 plus £10 with 1 for re-entry if desired. This comp offers a 15k stack. Like the rest of the week, 7 pm is when registration begins and the comp starts at 8 pm with late regos up until 10.30pm.

Super Saturday – is an earlier affair with registrations at 1 pm with a £40 entry for a start time of 2 pm. Latecomers are welcome until 5.30pm to play for £2000.

Sunday Soother – £1000 is up for grabs with a £30 entry and 20k stack. Registrations begin at 2 pm for a 3 pm start. Late registrations are welcome until 5.30pm.

There are several dining options at the casino. First up is the Waterfront Restaurant which offers an excellent selection of modern Scottish cuisine. With excellent wines to go with your meal that can be enjoyed while overlooking the River Clyde and is a destination in itself. Head chef at the Waterfront Restaurant is the award-winning Jamie Walker, who was present when the casino launched ten years ago. He took a break to chef at other premier kitchens before returning recently to head the kitchen. For those looking to celebrate a special occasion with family and friends, there are private rooms with river views that accommodate up to 18 diners. Rooms come with furnished balconies which are perfect for enjoying drinks or winding down after a meal. The restaurant has two menus – the a la carte menu and the set menu for two or three courses.

Other dining options at the casino can be found at the Sports bar which offers bar food and barbecues on the riverfront terrace. It also has a VIP Lounge that includes food. There is also dining and food options available at the Long Bar which combines food, drink, and a lively buzzing atmosphere.

No there is no hotel at the casino but it is centrally located so there are plenty of accommodation options nearby. This includes hotels for all budget requirements and expectations from cheap and cheerful three star up to five-star luxury so you will easily be able to find the right hotel for your needs.

As you’d expect from the location of the casino there is a wealth of bars, clubs, and restaurants within walking distance to enjoy. If you are feeling adventurous then a short trip across the river towards the city centre will turn up an endless amount of entertainment such as the Grosvenor Casino Riverboat Glasgow.

Some nearby venues include The Springfield Quay Harvester which is a family-friendly restaurant/pub that serves food like burgers, salads, and steaks. The Hollywood Bowl is a short distance away and offers bowling but also has a nice dinner and bar that serves alcoholic drinks. Something a bit different is Glasgow’s Grand Ole Opry that has old time line dancing, and 50’s dancing in a country style environment complete with saloon, gig room and eatery. One of Glasgow’s best Italian restaurants is just around the corner at La Fiorentina Ristorante which offers a cosy authentic dining experience including the food and decor. If you have a hankering for Asian food then the Panda Chinese Cuisine is close by and serves Chinese dishes in a spacious restaurant that has been tastefully decorated. If you are looking for a massive night out clubbing then a short trip across the river provides a multitude of clubbing options such as the O2 ABC Glasgow, The Buff Club, Nice N Sleazy, or The Garage.