When you think of gambling, you probably picture Las Vegas, Atlantic City or Macau. London isn’t famous for its casino scene around the world. But the coolest casinos in London still offer a first-class experience.
Maybe you’re a seasoned player looking for new tables. Or maybe you just want a flutter between trips to Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Either way, here are our favourites.
The Grosvenor Victoria Casino
The Grosvenor Victoria Casino, known to regulars as “the Vic”, has been a centre of London gaming since the 1960s. It has long been one of the capital’s best-known poker venues, and poker has been its focus since the game’s boom in the 2000s.
Casual players are well looked after too, with a wide choice of table and card games. You won’t feel out of place if you don’t dress up. But if you prefer high stakes, you’ll find plenty of high-roller tables.
The Colony Club: Among the Coolest Casinos in London
Just off Park Lane in Mayfair, one of London’s most expensive areas, the Colony Club caters to high rollers. It mixes luxury with a little more luxury.
There’s plenty to enjoy even if you don’t play. Its Japanese restaurant has a glass-walled teppanyaki bar, and there’s a stylish lounge bar for cocktails. But make no mistake: the Colony Club is all about high-end gaming. The casino stays open until the early hours, and the dress code is formal, so dress to impress.
The Palm Beach
The Palm Beach on Berkeley Street is one of Mayfair’s most glamorous casinos. Part of the Genting group, it sits in the former Art Deco ballroom of The May Fair Hotel.
It attracts a sophisticated crowd, and it has its own poker room for serious players. The dress code is smart casual, but this is Mayfair, so lean towards smart. You’ll need to register at least 24 hours before your first visit.
The Hippodrome: One of the Coolest Casinos in London
The Hippodrome Casino stands tall in Leicester Square. The building opened as a variety theatre in 1900, and it has been one of London’s best-known casinos since 2012.
Alongside several floors of gaming, you’ll find a theatre that hosts cabaret and live shows. It also has one of the UK’s biggest dedicated poker rooms. Before you hit the tables, enjoy a drink at one of the bars or a steak at the Heliot Steak House. Then spend the rest of the night at the tables and slots.
Empire Casino
Empire Casino is also on Leicester Square, just a short walk from the Hippodrome. It brings a touch of Vegas to the West End, with a sleek, modern gaming floor.
There’s plenty of blackjack to keep you busy all night, alongside roulette, baccarat and a wide range of slots. It also hosts regular poker tournaments, and its bars and restaurant are perfect for celebrating a win.
More of the Coolest Casinos in London
These venues are only a taste of what the capital has to offer. For more ideas, see our list of the best casinos in London.
Before you go, check each venue’s dress code. Our guide to London casino dress codes explains what to wear where. Then set a budget, head out and make some memories.
18+ | Please gamble responsibly. For free support, visit BeGambleAware.org.
