Five of the Best Casinos in London Experience the Glitz and Glamour of the City’s Gaming Scene
From the iconic red telephone booths to the grand Buckingham Palace, London is a city that exudes class and sophistication. And when it comes to casinos, the British capital certainly lives up to its reputation. With an array of luxurious casinos scattered across the city, London attracts high rollers and casual gamblers alike. In this article, we will take a closer look at five of the best casinos in London, exploring their history, offerings, and unique features.
1. The Hippodrome Casino: A Historical Landmark Turned Modern Gaming Destination
The Hippodrome Casino holds a special place in London’s history. Built in 1900, it started as a circus and later became a popular venue for variety shows, cabaret performances, and even boxing matches. In 2009, the building underwent extensive renovations and was transformed into the largest casino in London, offering over three floors of gaming and entertainment.
History and Location
Located on the corner of Cranbourn Street and Charing Cross Road, the Hippodrome Casino is situated in the heart of London’s West End. Its central location makes it easily accessible from all parts of the city, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
The building itself has undergone many changes throughout its history. It was first opened as the Hippodrome Theatre in 1900 but was later converted into a music hall and then a variety theatre. During World War II, it was used as a shelter and later as a nightclub. In 2009, the current owners acquired the building and turned it into a modern casino, while still preserving its historical features.
Gaming Options
With over 45 traditional table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker, the Hippodrome Casino offers a diverse range of gaming options. The casino is also home to the largest craps table in the UK, which attracts many high rollers looking for a unique gaming experience.
For slot enthusiasts, the Hippodrome Casino has over 300 state-of-the-art slot machines, featuring popular titles such as Cleopatra, Monopoly, and Wheel of Fortune. The casino also offers electronic roulette and other digital gaming options for those who prefer a more modern approach to gambling.
Unique Features and Entertainment
Apart from its impressive gaming offerings, the Hippodrome Casino also boasts several unique features that make it stand out among other casinos in London. These include the Heliot Steak House, a multi-award-winning restaurant that offers panoramic views of the casino floor while serving up delicious steaks and seafood dishes.
For those looking for some entertainment after a round of gambling, the casino has a 180-seat cabaret theater that features live performances by top artists and performers. The building also houses a three-level smoking terrace, the first and only one of its kind in London’s West End.
2. The Ritz Club: An Elegant and Exclusive Gaming Experience
Located in the prestigious Ritz Hotel, the Ritz Club is an exclusive members-only casino that offers a luxurious and sophisticated gaming experience. Its opulent interiors and personalized service attract high-end clientele, making it one of the most sought-after casinos in London.
History and Location
The Ritz Club was opened in 1998 as an extension of the iconic Ritz Hotel. The hotel has been a symbol of luxury and elegance since it first opened its doors in 1906 and continues to attract elite guests from all over the world. The casino’s location in Piccadilly makes it easily accessible from all parts of the city, and its proximity to other famous landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, adds to its appeal.
Gaming Options
As a private members’ club, the Ritz Club offers a more intimate and exclusive gaming experience compared to other casinos. It has 25 traditional table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker, as well as a selection of electronic slot machines.
One unique feature of the Ritz Club is its private gaming salons, which offer a more secluded and personalized gaming experience for VIP members. These salons are equipped with private tables, dedicated staff, and high stakes games, catering to the preferences of their elite clientele.
Unique Features and Entertainment
In addition to its elegant gaming offerings, the Ritz Club also boasts several unique features that add to its luxury and exclusivity. These include a private cigar terrace, where members can enjoy a fine selection of cigars and drinks, and the restaurant, which serves a mix of Chinese and European cuisine.
For those looking for entertainment beyond gambling, the Ritz Club has a private bar and lounge, where guests can relax in a sophisticated setting and enjoy live music performances. The casino also hosts regular events, such as wine tastings and cocktail masterclasses, for its members.
3. The Empire Casino: A Modern Gaming Destination with an Iconic Location
Located in the heart of Leicester Square, the Empire Casino is one of London’s most famous casinos. Its central location and modern facilities make it a popular choice among tourists and locals alike, and its diverse gaming options cater to players of all levels.
History and Location
The Empire Casino first opened its doors in 2008 as part of the iconic Empire Cinema complex. The cinema itself has been around since 1884 and has seen many changes throughout its history, including being used as a theater, dance hall, and nightclub. Today, it is still one of the most popular cinemas in London, and its proximity to other famous landmarks, such as Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, makes it a prime location for a casino.
Gaming Options
The Empire Casino offers a wide range of gaming options, including 46 traditional table games and over 100 slot machines. The casino is also home to the UK’s largest poker room, with 24 tables dedicated to cash games and tournaments. Players can enjoy a variety of poker variants, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud.
For those looking for something different, the Empire Casino also has an Asian-themed gaming area, featuring popular games such as Baccarat and Pai Gow. The casino also offers electronic roulette and blackjack, combining modern technology with traditional casino games.
Unique Features and Entertainment
The Empire Casino prides itself on offering a unique and modern experience for its guests, beyond just gambling. One standout feature of the casino is its rooftop bar, overlooking Leicester Square, where visitors can unwind and enjoy a drink while taking in the bustling atmosphere of London’s West End.
The casino also regularly hosts events and promotions, such as quiz nights, sports screenings, and live music performances, adding to the overall entertainment value for its visitors. Its central location also makes it a popular spot among tourists, who can easily combine a night of gambling with other activities in the area.
4. Aspers Casino: A Modern Casino Experience in the Heart of Stratford
Aspers Casino in Stratford is a relatively new addition to London’s list of casinos, having opened in 2011. However, it has quickly become a popular destination for gamblers, thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location near the Olympic Park.
History and Location
Aspers Casino is located within Westfield Stratford City, one of the largest shopping centers in Europe, and is only a short distance from the Olympic Park. It was the first large-scale “super-casino” to open in the UK after the government passed the Gambling Act of 2005, making it a significant milestone in London’s gaming scene.
Gaming Options
Aspers Casino offers a diverse range of traditional table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. The casino also boasts the largest poker room in London, with 300 seats and cash games and tournaments running around the clock. As for slot machines, the casino has over 150 terminals, featuring popular titles such as Cleopatra and Mega Moolah.
One unique feature of Aspers Casino is its gaming experience packages, which offer visitors a tailored experience based on their preferences. These packages can include private gaming lessons, champagne receptions, and access to VIP areas.
Unique Features and Entertainment
In addition to its impressive gaming offerings, Aspers Casino also boasts several other features that make it a standout destination for gamblers. One such feature is the Clary’s Restaurant, which serves up a diverse menu of modern British cuisine, using locally sourced produce. The restaurant offers both a la carte and fixed-price menus, catering to different budgets and tastes.
For those looking for entertainment beyond gambling, Aspers Casino has a large bar and a sports lounge, where visitors can enjoy live sports events while sipping on a drink. The casino also hosts regular events, such as comedy nights and tribute acts, adding to its appeal as a modern gaming and entertainment destination.
5. The Palm Beach Casino: A High-End Gaming Destination in Mayfair
Located in one of London’s most affluent neighborhoods, the Palm Beach Casino is a high-end gaming destination that attracts a well-heeled crowd looking for a luxurious and exclusive gambling experience.
History and Location
The Palm Beach Casino was opened in 1964 and has since become a staple in London’s gaming scene. It is situated in Mayfair, known for its high-end restaurants, designer boutiques, and exclusive clubs. Its location makes it a popular spot for celebrities and wealthy individuals, adding to its allure as a high-end casino.
Gaming Options
The Palm Beach Casino offers a diverse range of traditional table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. Its private gaming salons cater to high rollers, offering them a more secluded and personalized gaming experience.
One unique feature of the Palm Beach Casino is its exclusive gaming packages, designed for those looking for an extravagant gambling experience. These packages include access to private gaming areas, dedicated staff, and high stakes games, catering to the preferences of their elite clientele.
Unique Features and Entertainment
As a high-end casino, the Palm Beach Casino offers more than just impressive gaming options. The casino’s restaurant, the Icon Balcony Bar, serves up delicious dishes from around the world, using only the finest ingredients. The casino also has a bar and lounge, where guests can relax and enjoy cocktails and live entertainment.
For those looking for some pampering after a round of gambling, the Palm Beach Casino has a spa that offers a range of treatments, including massages and facials. The casino also hosts regular events, such as themed parties and live music performances, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Conclusion: London’s Casinos Offer Something for Everyone
From historical landmarks turned modern casinos to high-end gaming destinations in exclusive neighborhoods, London’s casinos cater to a diverse audience. Whether you’re a high roller looking for an extravagant gambling experience or a casual player wanting to try your luck, there’s something for everyone in the city’s vibrant and glamorous gaming scene. So next time you visit London, make sure to add a visit to one of these five casinos on your itinerary, and experience the glitz and glamour of the city’s gaming culture.
