As one of the centres of world commerce for hundreds of years, London is home to some incredibly exclusive and luxurious gaming parlours, and a few casinos that are more open for everyone.
From a large-scale multiple floor mega casino just off Leicester Square in the heart of the city, to boutique gambling rooms in Mayfair townhouses or a casino attached to one of the city’s most famous hotels, London offers a lot of gambling options you might not know about. These are some of the best casinos in the Big Smoke.
Explore a Victorian Theatre converted into The Hippodrome Casino
The Hippodrome Casino is certainly a unique venue. Housed in the iconic Hippodrome Theatre just off Leicester Square, this century-old building is now an expansive, world class gambling venue. It has a large dedicated poker room, several bars, hundreds of slots and video poker terminals and a dozen live table games across baccarat, roulette, blackjack and casino poker.
Of course, you don’t have to go to glitzy central London to try your hand at gambling online. Or even spend any money. Not when you can try free slots play, and test run all the latest games for free before putting down any real money. Or just browse the impressive selection until you find your lucky game – it’s up to you.
If you do take a visit to The Hip, as regulars affectionately call it, you’ll find a lot more than just gambling as well. It still has a functioning theatre room that hosts various performances year round and it also has an award-winning Heliot Steak House.
Outside of the casino, the sights and sounds of Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross and Soho are all within 10 minutes walk of The Hippodrome.
Visit the historic Les Ambassadeurs Club from famous films
Housed in a Grade II listed Venetian-inspired townhouse that was built in 1807, Les Ambassadeurs is one of London’s most high class gambling venues.
Over the years the Mayfair venue has appeared in movies from the James Bond franchise and several films by The Beatles.
The luxury space has sixteen table games on its main floor, eschewing slots for a more upscale experience. There are also several private rooms for playing baccarat and other games, plus a rooftop garden terrace connected to the main gambling room.
Don’t expect to rock up for a casual visit in your shorts and sandals however. This is a refined, members only gambling space with a strict dress code – but if you can get inside it’s certainly an experience.
The newly relaunched luxury of Wynn Mayfair
The newest name on this list, but not necessarily the newest casino, Wynn Mayfair is the rebranded name of Crown London, formerly Aspinall’s.
Las Vegas-based American luxury casino giant Wynn Resorts recently purchased and refurbished the storied venue in swanky Mayfair. Spanning across the interiors of two elegant Georgian townhouses, this members only gambling venue has been serving London and Europe’s elite for well over 50 years.
Interestingly Wynn purchased the gambling hall mainly to cross promote its newly under construction mega casino resort Wynn Al Marjan. It hopes that, when complete in 2027, the United Arab Emirates casino resort will be of interest to the upper class international jet setting clientele of Wynn Mayfair.
Wynn Mayfair notably smaller than Wynn’s huge multibillion dollar casino resorts in Las Vegas and elsewhere, but its refined sophistication and prime London location more than make up for that for wealthy gamblers that frequent its halls.
Gamble at one of London’s most famous hotels with the Ritz Club
The Ritz London is a world famous hotel, and for good reason. Whether that’s its iconic restaurants, including its grand Palm Court where afternoon tea is a high class London must, its commitment to tradition and finery among the staff or its opulent Parisian-inspired architecture, The Ritz is one of the top hotels in Europe.
But, you might not know it also has a gambling hall attached. The Ritz Club was opened in the 1960s, and takes over much of the basement level of the hotel. This exclusive members area is open 24/7, and features a dozen gaming tables in its impressive main hall.
It also has three private rooms for baccarat, roulette and blackjack, with even more upscale surroundings and bespoke service from highly-trained personal attendants.
Outside of the casino and the highly-rated hotel, The Ritz is very central to many of London’s most famous sights. Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, The National Gallery and the famous shops of Oxford and Regent Street are all within a ten minute walk of the hotel.
So, there you have it. Four of London’s finest gambling venues, offering a mix of member’s only clubs and more open gaming establishments, as well as things to do in their nearby districts.
Please play responsibly. For more information and advice visit https://www.begambleaware.org
Content is not intended for an audience under 18 years of age
Get real time update about this post category directly on your device, subscribe now.
Leave a Comment