As one of the world’s greatest capital cities, there is never a shortage of activities to enjoy in London. If you relish a wager, you’ll be particularly well catered for. London has a wide array of casinos that will cater to any taste.

Whether you get your kicks through blackjack, spinning the roulette wheel, outwitting opponents at the poker tables or simply testing your luck on slot machines, London has you covered. Alas, the sheer volume of choice can become overwhelming for anybody unfamiliar with the landscape.

With this in mind, let’s review eight of the best casinos in London. If you’re feeling lucky, any of these venues will provide a thrilling night of entertainment – and if you’re unsure what to do once inside the hallowed halls of a London casino, be sure to check in with us for tips!

The Hippodrome

Cranbourn Street, London WC2H 7JH

London’s West End is widely regarded as the theater district, but it’s also at the heart of London’s gambling scene. Leicester Square, in particular, is host to many famous London casinos. Arguably the biggest name of them all is the Hippodrome, a hugely popular tourist destination.

Spread over four sprawling floors, the Hippodrome Casino has plenty to offer any gambling enthusiast. In addition to over a hundred electronic slot machines, anybody seeking traditional table games will be treated to poker, blackjack, baccarat roulette and much, much more. Competitive gamblers can also participate in tournaments at the poker tables, or if you’re looking to cool off and take a break, various cocktail bars and lounges are available.

The Hippodrome Casino also frequently hosts live music and other entertainment events. You can even get married if you wish – unlike other London casinos, the Hippodrome holds an official wedding license. With no dress code and photo ID only required for wagers above £1,500, the Hippodrome is the ideal blend of luxury and informality.

Palm Beach Casino

30 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8EH

London has plenty to offer, but stellar weather is not always on the table. If you’re keen to bring a little Florida sunshine to England, head over to Mayfair and enjoy a night of gambling at the Palm Beach Casino – part of the Genting casino family.

You’ll need to register with this casino to enjoy all it has to offer, so be sure to do so 24 hours in advance of arrival. Thankfully, that’s a simple and non-intrusive process. Palm Beach Casino also operates a smart-casual dress code, but when in Mayfair, always err more to toward the smart end of the spectrum. This venue draws a sophisticated and dignified clientele.

If you’re looking to bet at the poker tables, Palm Beach Casino offers an exclusive room for this. Of course, you’ll also find roulette and blackjack games available – including another private area devoted to high rollers. The slot machines at this venue are also generous, with jackpots of up to £20,000 available.

Empire Casino

5 – 6 Leicester Street, London WC2H 7NA

Heading back to Leicester Square, the Empire Casino is worth investigating if you’re looking for a night of gambling that focuses on fun over formality. There is a genuinely relaxed vibe at the Empire – jeans and trainers are even permitted due to the lack of dress code. This is the closest London casinos get to imitating the Las Vegas strip.

The restaurant of the Empire is also worth noting for Asian food lovers, as FuLuShou is something of an undiscovered diamond among London’s culinary scene. However, most gamblers will be more interested in poker tables than dining tables. Thankfully, you’ll find no shortage of poker games of all types, for players of any level – from the lowest possible buy-in to the highest of rollers.

The Empire also provides the chance to play electronic roulette and offers around 40 slot machines over two floors. The Empire Casino is bright and bold, which will not appeal to everybody. However, the focus on fun makes this one of the busiest London casinos.

Maxims Casino Club

1a Palace Gate, London W8 5LS

For a dose of authentic luxury in your London casino experience, head to the heart of Kensington and register for membership with the Maxims Casino Club. With a strictly enforced dress code and elite approach to gambling, be prepared to spend big to match the high rollers that frequent this venue. Naturally, though, this means that potential winnings are just as impressive.

You’ll find 26 gaming tables at Maxims, including everything you would expect. Willingness to match an ante is more important than gambling experience at this venue, as dealers will offer assistance where required. Once you’ve had your fill of blackjack and roulette, retire to the restaurant or whiskey bar. Maxims does not offer slot machines, focusing instead on high-stakes table games for the most affluent players in London.

Grosvenor Casino

Various Locations

Grosvenor stands head and shoulders above any competitor regarding brand recognition in London casinos. You’ll find Grosvenor casinos all over the city, and each will offer a high-quality experience.

Gambling at a Grosvenor Casino requires registration at the door. It is a fast process, but you will need a photo ID. The dress code will invariably be smart casual. When in doubt, dress to impress – though typically you won’t be turned away unless you’re in sportswear.

Above all, visiting a Grosvenor Casino will revolve around traditional gambling in a modern setting. Blackjack tables are always plentiful, as are roulette wheels and poker games. Grosvenor Casinos are a little more uniform and corporate than some venues, but they offer sufficient luxury and entertainment to remain worthy of visiting.

Aspers Casino

312 The Loft, Montfichet Road Olympic Park, London E20 1ET

Moving away from Leicester Square and the surrounding areas, we have Aspers – a supercasino found in Stratford. The venue that hoisted the 2012 Summer Olympics is now a Westfield shopping mall and entertainment center, so you can enjoy a spending spree in the stores below with any gambling winnings.

Aspers does not require registration or ID to enter (unless you are believed to be under 21), and the vibe is largely relaxed. There are daily tournaments with cash prizes available and 150 different slot machines. The poker table options are among the biggest draws, though. Aspers has the biggest poker room in London, with buy-in starting at £10.

Crockfords

30 Curzon Street, London W1J 7TN

If you’re looking for luxury in your gambling, Crockfords Casino should to the top of your evening’s itinerary. Inspired by a 19th Century gentleman’s club of the same name, this Mayfair casino still prides itself on being fit for the very highest of society.

The poker and blackjack tables at Crockfords often host famous faces, as this venue boasts such a stellar reputation. This also means that the stakes are often high, though – Crockfords is not a venue for a gambling novice. As a result, membership of Crockfords is required if you plan to visit.

Even if you are not partaking in any gaming options, there is plenty to love about an evening at Crockfords. The restaurant is to die for, offering a range of Asian and European dining options, and the cocktail bar offers stunning views across London. Perhaps best of all, non-members are still welcome in the restaurant and bar.

Genting Casino Chinatown

93 – 107 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5DY

If you’re keen on a West End gambling experience but are weary of the bright lights of Leicester Square, consider Chinatown. As well as an array of restaurants, this area offers numerous London casinos for your consideration.

Many of these venues will allow you to bet with smaller stakes than their Leicester Square and Mayfair-located brethren, and come with unique and appealing Chinese-themed decor. Genting Casino Chinatown is no exception.

The Chinatown branch of Genting is pretty small but could be considered perfectly formed. It’s among the most casual venues on our list. The dress code is relaxed, and you’ll find the usual blackjack tables, roulette wheels and poker options. Slot machines with £10,000 jackpots also abound – with a minimum return of 94%.

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