Overview
London has more licensed casinos than any other capital in Europe, and they split into two kinds that behave nothing alike. The members' clubs of Mayfair and St James's expect membership arranged in advance, hold to a dress code and are built around high stakes. The public casinos, of which the Hippodrome on Leicester Square and Aspers at Westfield Stratford City are the largest, admit walk-ins at any hour with photo ID.
Book nothing until you know which you are aiming at. Turning up at a Mayfair club without a membership is the single most common way a London casino evening fails, and it is entirely avoidable: the public rooms are open 24 hours, a few Tube stops away, and deal the same games.
Featured Casinos
Les Ambassadeurs Club
This legendary members‑only club in Mayfair has hosted royalty and celebrities for decades. With a luxurious interior, it offers American roulette, baccarat, blackjack and three‑card poker across several salons. Open 24 hours, admission requires an annual membership and a smart dress code; expect jackets and collared shirts.
Aspers Casino Westfield Stratford City
Marketed as the UK’s first "super casino", Aspers spans over 65,000 square feet in East London. It houses around 40 gaming tables, 150 slots and a large poker room with daily tournaments and cash games. Open 24 hours except Christmas day, it’s attached to Westfield shopping centre and easily reached via Stratford tube, rail and DLR stations.
Hippodrome Casino
At Leicester Square, the Hippodrome is the UK’s largest casino and entertainment venue, spread across four floors. It offers poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more than 100 electronic terminals. Besides gaming, the complex includes bars, restaurants and a theatre, making it a one‑stop entertainment hub.
What the tables cost
The room changes; the arithmetic does not. Before choosing a table in any London casino, three figures decide more than the venue does:
- Roulette: a single-zero wheel costs 2.70% on every bet and a double-zero wheel costs 5.26%, for an identical game. London deals both; the wheel is worth checking before the chips are down.
- Blackjack: 3:2 against 6:5 on a natural is worth 1.35 percentage points, which is more than every other rule difference on the felt combined.
- Punto banco, the baccarat dealt in the Mayfair clubs: the banker bet costs 1.06%, the player bet 1.24%, and the tie 14.36%.
If the dealer offers you insurance against a blackjack, the answer is no: on a six-deck shoe that side bet costs 6.80%, about thirteen times the game you are already playing.
Best Time to Visit
- April–June & September: Best blend of weather and prices; long daylight for sightseeing and late sessions.
- July–August: Peak tourism and West End demand, book early.
- December: Christmas lights, markets, and busy nightlife; reserve hotels and shows.
Planning Tips
- Age & ID: 18+ for casinos in the UK; bring a valid passport/ID.
- Dress code: Mayfair clubs (e.g., Les Ambassadeurs, Palm Beach) expect smart/formal attire. Public casinos (Hippodrome, Aspers) are smart‑casual.
- Membership: Some private clubs require membership or advance arrangements; check policies before you go.
- Smoking: Smoking is banned indoors in UK casinos; look for outdoor terraces.
- Currency: GBP (£). Contactless is widely accepted.
- Getting around: Use the Tube; Leicester Square and Stratford stations put you steps from major casinos.
Budget & Minimums
Public casinos (Hippodrome, Aspers) often spread £5–£10 roulette/blackjack off‑peak, rising on weekends and late nights. Mayfair clubs focus on higher stakes (expect notably higher minimums in salons).
- Poker: PokerStars LIVE at Hippodrome runs daily cash and regular tournaments; Aspers Stratford hosts large festival events.
- ETIQUETTE: Observe table etiquette; dealers call in English, but you’ll hear plenty of international chatter.
Venue status, admission rules and opening arrangements checked in August 2026 against each operator's own published material. London rooms change hands and change policy; confirm membership requirements and dress codes with the venue before travelling for a specific evening.