The Best Casinos to Visit When In London
There's a lot to see and do in London. Whether you're interested in history, art, shopping, or just exploring, the city offers abundant experiences and activities. Its beautiful historical monuments, diverse cultural offerings, and modern attractions make it a city with something for everyone.
For gambling enthusiasts who enjoy a bit of glamor and excitement, the city's casinos are a must-visit. The luxurious settings, top-notch gaming options, and high-end service these casinos offer will give you an unforgettable experience.
That said, here are the top 5 casinos you should check out when you visit London.
The London Hippodrome
The London Hippodrome is much more than a conventional casino; it's a historical landmark with roots stretching back to 1900. Originally, the Hippodrome was designed for circus and variety performances. It featured cantilevered galleries, eliminating columns, and a painted glass retractable roof, among other notable theater features.
Moreover, over the years, it has undergone various reconstructions to serve different purposes. Notably, in 1909, the Hippodrome was transformed into a music hall and variety theater. It hosted many historic events, including;
- The English premiere of the Ballets Russes in 1910,
- Albert de Courville's revues in 1912,
- A performance by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band in 1919,
- Ivor Novello's "Perchance to Dream" in 1945,
- The revue "High Spirits" in 1953.
Another notable transformation that the Hippodrome underwent was in 1958 when it became the famous Talk of the Town nightclub. This nightclub hosted many musical legends, including Diana Ross, Frank Sinatra, Lonnie Donegan, The Carpenters, and Stevie Wonder.
The Hippodrome eventually became a casino in 2012. Just a year after its opening, it was awarded the Best Land-based Casino at the Totally Gaming Awards. The casino offers everything you would want in a casino and more. It includes four gaming floors, which open 24/7 and offer a wide range of gaming options, including slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat. It also has a gold-room casino, a Heliot restaurant, several bars and restaurants, a smoking terrace, and much more.
The Barracuda London
The Barracuda London is another notable casino near Marble Arch in the heart of London. It is open 24 hours a day and offers a range of gaming options, including various table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker, as well as electronic gaming machines.
One of the major attractions of this casino, in addition to its luxurious and elegant setting, is its food. In addition to its gaming options, many people visit the Barracuda to enjoy the various ethnic cuisines it offers, including Italian, Arabic, French, Indian, and Chinese food. The casino also occasionally hosts special events and entertainment, including live music performances.
These exciting and sophisticated experiences are a major reason why many gamblers will prefer land-based casinos. Land-based casino establishments like The Barracuda offer an unforgettable experience beyond just gaming. But if you prefer the convenience of playing from home, you can read more here about the best options available.
Palm Beach Casino
Located in the upscale Mayfair area of London, The Palm Beach Casino is known for its luxurious atmosphere, high-quality gaming options, and elegant surroundings. The casino also offers various table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker, as well as a selection of slot machines. They offer cash games every night and regular high-roller tournaments throughout the year.
Palm Beach Casino is open 24/7, so it's perfect for hosting exclusive poker parties with private table bookings. It has a high-stakes gaming room reserved for high-rollers and a wide range of fine dining options. The casino also features a bar and restaurant, making it a popular destination for patrons to unwind and socialize between rounds of play.
The Empire Casino
The Empire Casino is another must-visit place for an unforgettable gambling experience in London. Spanning over 5,000 square meters, the sheer size of the casino alone will leave you in awe. And you will be further thrilled by the variety of options at your disposal.
The casino includes 50 gaming tables, over 100 progressive jackpot slot machines, and 90 electronic roulette machines. Some of these machines even offer a minimum bet of just 10 pence. The casino also features elegant games like punto banco, exotic pai gow tiles, blackjack, and poker. If you're a poker lover, the Empire Poker Room hosts daily tournaments starting at 2 pm, providing a perfect spot for serious players.
Beyond gaming options, the casino includes a 24-hour bar and restaurant services. You'd enjoy everything from steak and seafood to classic American bar food and pan-Asian cuisine. The casino Icon Balcony Bar is especially impressive, offering a great view of the casino floor. The exclusive VIP Dragon Lounge adds an extra touch of luxury with its high-end amenities, slots, and top-notch service.
Despite its popularity and the bustling crowd, the Empire Casino ensures plenty of space and activities to entertain you.
The Grosvenor Victoria Casino
Commonly known as "The Vic, The Grosvenor Victoria Casino is part of the Grosvenor chain of casinos, one of the largest casino operators in the United Kingdom. Specifically, the Grosvenor Victoria is located in London near Edgware Road. It's one of the largest and busiest casinos in the UK.
The Grosvenor Victoria Casino is particularly renowned for its poker room, which hosts a variety of cash games and tournaments. It also offers various other gaming options, including table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, etc. Whether you're an amateur or professional player, there's something for you at the Grosvenor Victoria. Like most top casinos, it also has a bar and restaurant where players can relax and enjoy drinks and meals between gaming sessions.
Conclusion
Whether you're drawn to the thrill of gaming or the elegance of high-end gambling entertainment, London's top casinos have something for everyone. Other honorable mentions we couldn’t cover in this article include the Sportsman Casino, Getting Casino, ParkWay Club, Park Tower, etc.