If you have been playing online slots like Secrets of the Phoenix at Double Bubble, you might be considering taking your knowledge and skill to a real casino – and London is the best place to go for bright lights and the best in entertainment. Las Vegas might be a bucket list destination, but there is plenty of fun to be had in the big city if you know where to look.
In this article we will give you some ideas of how to make your night(s) the best, and then discuss a few places that you might want to visit.
What makes a casino gaming night?
Getting out on a casino night in London shouldn’t take too much planning – just treat it like you would any other night out.
The things you might want to consider include:
- Travel – How are you planning to get to London? Trains are usually a great option if you want to be able to have a drink – or avoid the ULEZ charges and hefty parking costs. Factor in train times to your planning.
- Where will you stay? A hotel is always a good choice, especially if you are planning on a late night – you want it to be accessible from wherever you are gaming, so pick one close to the Tube or near the casino.
- What do you need to bring? One of the main things that people are concerned about when they are considering a casino visit is what to wear – movies hold responsibility for making us think that you can’t even get into a casino unless you’re dressed for a black-tie event. The reality is much different, however. Most casinos only have a very basic dress code, but make sure you check it out online before you pack so there are no surprises.
- How much cash? This is the most personal of questions; the amount of cash you should take depends on your own spending ability. Make sure that you are not gaming with money you cannot afford to lose, and bring enough for drinks and dinner if you want the best experience. Most casinos allow free entry, while others might have a cover charge that includes drinks – do your research so you know what to expect.
The next thing to consider, then, is which of the dozens of casinos you should choose!
The best casinos to visit in London
The Hippodrome
With an extensive history of being the heart of entertainment in London, The Hippodrome is the biggest entertainment and casino venue in the UK. Open 24/7, you can visit six floors of gaming, including London’s biggest poker floor with free entry and no membership required. If you want to do something other than play slots or all the casino games, then you can visit one of the 8 bars, sit out on the three-floor outdoor terrace, or take a seat in the theatre to watch a performance of Magic Mike.
The Hippodrome does not have a dress code, so if you are wearing clothes, you are welcome.
Empire Casino
The Empire Casino describes itself as the liveliest casino in the UK, and with its central location and a management team that is well-used to running entertainment venues, Empire Casino certainly has a lot going for it.
Hosting cash poker games and tournaments as well as a sports bar dedicated to NFL and soccer, there is something for everyone in this glamorous casino – including the Dragon Lounge exclusively for the big roller VIPs. Beginners are well catered for too, thanks to the ‘learn to play’ experiences on offer from the professionals.
Entry is free, the casino is open 24/7, and the dress code is simply smart casual – so it is a laid-back place.
Les Ambassadeurs
Now, if you want exclusivity in your casino experience – and you have the cash to pay for it – then a membership at Les A (as it is known by those who go) might be the answer. Once owned by Leopold de Rothschild, this Mayfair venue has been hosting aristocracy, famous names and diplomats since the early 19th Century and is utterly steeped in decadent history.
Inside, you can expect extensive intimate gambling opportunities with all the casino games that you could expect, and when it all gets too much you can retire to The Library, an intricately carved and serene space to relax in. The Smoking Garden is the larges outdoor gaming area in London, allowing members to partake in Cuban and pre-Castro cigars with underfloor heating and shaded tables for comfort throughout the year.
Alongside the casino venue, members also get access to private boxes at events across the UK, hotel stays, exclusive restaurants, and a private jet.
If you want to become a member, it’ll cost you £25,000 a year.
Please play responsibly. For more information and advice visit https://www.begambleaware.org
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