Genting Casino at Ocean Drive near Leith Docks welcomed its last customers on Sunday evening, leaving Edinburgh with two branches of the popular chain still in operation.

A Genting spokeswoman said: ”Operating three casinos in close proximity has proved particularly challenging in the current trading environment.

“We completed a 30 day consultation period with our staff and made the difficult decision to close our casino in Leith on Sunday 17th February.

Genting Casino in Leith has closed down. Picture: Google Street View

“While there will be a small number of redundancies, we have been able to redeploy a large number of staff from Leith to sites in Edinburgh Fountain Park and York Place.”

The “regrettable” announcement was made on Monday across the gambling house’s social media feeds, sparking an emotional response from fans of the establishment.

Staff at the branch have been thanked for helping “to create a wonderful experience for our loyal customers in Leith and the surrounding areas”.

Casino members have also been told that they will be able to transfer their existing memberships and rewards to Edinburgh’s two other Genting branches at Fountainpark and York Place.

Responding to the announcement, ex-Genting Leith employee Louise Collie wrote: “Sad times as we had the best staff team ever. All good things have to come to an end I guess.”

Former staff member Scott Hunter added: “Thoughts with everyone connected. Was my first casino as a croupier, some great friends and memories made. Best of luck.”

The future of the former Genting building, which occupies a large site at the north end of Constitution Street, is not yet known.

The Genting casino brand is one of the largest in the country, with more than 40 outlets in the UK.

Shock as popular Leith casino announces sudden closure