Overview
London is Europe’s most prestigious casino hub—mixing exclusive Mayfair clubs with large public casinos. You can play high stakes in historic salons one night and hit a late‑night poker tournament the next, all within a few Tube stops of the West End.
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.
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.