The Iveria Casino in Batumi stands out among local competitors, offering a premium gaming experience. With top-tier facilities and service, it’s rated among the best casinos in the area.
- Excellent location
- Easy and friendly registration process
- Attentive service on the tables
- Good arrangement of games
- Good ‘perceived’ return to player
- Sometimes slow waiters, especially on Slots
- Sometimes waiting times at the cashier, especially when you wanna pay out
- Acoustics could be improved
- Low ceiling height
- English is not understood well by everyone
My Experience at Iveria Casino in Batumi: A Detailed Review
As an avid casino enthusiast, I was thrilled to visit the Iveria Casino in Batumi, a city quickly gaining a reputation as a gambling hotspot in the region. Located in the basement of the Radisson Blu Hotel, the Iveria Casino has been touted as one of the best in Batumi, and I wanted to see firsthand whether it lives up to the hype. My visit included playing slots and table games, interacting with the staff, and enjoying the services and amenities available. Throughout this review, I’ll assess various aspects of my visit using a personal rating system where I award “aces” (four aces being the highest and one ace the lowest) to reflect my experience.
1. Entering the Iveria Casino: Registration and Security Check
Like all casinos in Batumi, the first step upon arrival at the Iveria Casino is registering as a player. This process is simple and efficient, requiring guests to present their passport at the reception. The staff at the front desk were not only fluent in English but also exceptionally friendly and professional. The registration took no more than a few minutes, and I was quickly issued my player card, which is required to participate in any of the games.
Once registered, I passed through a metal detector—a standard security measure in most casinos. The entire process was smooth, and the staff’s polite demeanor put me at ease. This first impression was excellent, and I appreciated the quick and hassle-free entry into the gaming floor located in the basement, which can be reached via the staircase next to the reception. The casino has very low ceilings, which could have an oppressive effect on many players.
Rating: A A A A
2. Gaming Experience: Slots
After registering, I headed straight to the slot machines. The player card system is simple: just insert the card into the machine, and you can either load the local currency, Georgian Lari (GEL), or US dollars into the machine. If you’re carrying other currencies, you need to visit the cashier, where they provide a favorable exchange rate and issue a slip for the slot machines or chips for the table games.
The cashier process was equally smooth, and the staff behind the counter were pleasant, quick, and professional. I was immediately impressed with how effortless everything felt. When paying out, you sometimes get the feeling that the cashiers have to hand over their own money. This is because they have to prolong the process, apparently making countless checks and confirming everything. This can easily take several minutes. Another negative feeling you get at the slots is when you play high and win. A supervisor immediately stands behind you, as if you need to be watched to make sure you don’t win any more. This has a very negative effect and creates an oppressive feeling, as if winners are not welcome.
Rating: A A A
3. Slot Machine Variety and Layout in Iveria Casino
Iveria Casino offers an impressive selection of slot machines, featuring well-known brands such as Novomatic, IGT, and EGT. I was thrilled to see a range of machines that catered to different tastes, from classic games to the latest video slots. The layout of the gaming floor is well-planned, allowing enough space between machines so that you never feel crowded, even when the casino is busy. This attention to detail made for a more relaxed experience, allowing me to enjoy the games without feeling claustrophobic.
There is also a ‘VIP’ area for slots (at least that’s what it says above this passageway). It is less frequented there and the minimum stakes are slightly higher, but so are the possible maximum bets.
Rating: A A A A
4. Table Games: Variety and Stakes
The table games at Iveria Casino are another highlight. From blackjack and roulette to poker in many variations, there’s no shortage of options. What impressed me most was the range of minimum bets, which vary depending on the day and time. For instance, during the quieter hours (like Monday mornings), you can find tables with minimum bets as low as $10, while on busy Friday or Saturday nights, the minimum bet rises to $25. This flexibility allows for both casual players and high rollers to enjoy the games.
It’s worth noting that some table games have a bonus bet option, which can make each hand a little more expensive. For instance, in some poker games, you’re required to place a side bet for a bonus, which can quickly add up. Nevertheless, the dealers were consistently friendly and professional, which added to the overall enjoyment of the games.
Rating: A A A A
5. Service: Drinks and Wait Staff
Service is always an important aspect of any casino experience, and Iveria Casino mostly excels in this area. The casino offers a wide variety of complimentary drinks, from soft drinks and coffee to alcohol. However, there were some inconsistencies in the speed of service, especially at the slot machines. At the tables, it’s easy to get a drink—just let the dealer know, and they’ll call a waiter over. However, if you’re playing slots, you might have to wait a bit longer for a waiter to approach you. In my experience, there was a noticeable difference in the time it took to receive my drink at the slot machines compared to the tables.
One possible reason for this is the presence of some players, particularly locals or visitors from neighboring Turkey, who tend to place minimum bets at the slots to enjoy the complimentary drinks or cigarettes while hoping for a big win. This might explain the slower service at the slots, but it still left a slightly negative impression, especially for someone placing larger bets.
Rating: A A
6. Additional Services: Cigarettes and Buffet
If you’re seated at a table or playing high-stakes slots, you can also order complimentary cigarettes, which are served by the waitstaff. I found this to be a nice touch, particularly for smokers who want to enjoy a cigarette without having to leave their gaming session.
Another notable feature of the Iveria Casino is the buffet area, where players can grab a bite to eat. The buffet is located in a separate, restricted section of the casino, ensuring that only players can access it. This is a thoughtful addition, as it provides a convenient way to refuel without leaving the gaming floor. Nevertheless, this buffet left the impression of an average company canteen. Certainly the buffet and the service of the waiters in the slot area does not live up to the name emblazoned on the hotel where the casino is located (Radisson Blu).
Rating: A A A
7. Overall Atmosphere and Personal Impressions
After multiple visits to the Iveria Casino, I have an average impression of its overall atmosphere. The payout at the slot machines feels fair, and while the lower ceilings might bother some, especially if you’re used to casinos with more expansive spaces, it didn’t detract too much from the experience. That said, when the casino is full, the lower ceiling can make the space feel a bit cramped, and the noise level can become overwhelming. The mediocre service of the staff is also not really in favor of this casino.
On quieter days, though, the casino’s atmosphere is enjoyable, and it does a good job of replicating a Las Vegas-style experience. The casino manages to balance the needs of casual players with those of more serious gamblers, and overall, the casino is certainly worth a visit if you are in Batumi, despite the above-mentioned deductions in the rating.
Rating: A A A
Final Verdict Iveria Casino
To summarize, the Iveria Casino in Batumi offers a good experience (apart from the waiters), a wide selection of games and a generally pleasant atmosphere. While there are some drawbacks, such as the slower drink service at the slots and the slightly cramped feel during busy times, these are relatively minor issues in an otherwise excellent casino. If you’re in Batumi and looking for a good gaming experience, the Iveria Casino should be on your list.
Address: 1 Ninoshvili St, Batumi 6000, Georgia
Opening Times: 27/7
Phone: +995 422 22 53 62
Homepage: https://casinoiveria.com/en/bt