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Your Best Options
London’s offline casino scene is a vibrant blend of history, luxury, and high-stakes excitement, making the quest for the best casino in london a thrilling journey. From the West End’s glittering hubs to quieter corners near Marble Arch, the city offers a spectrum of gaming experiences for every taste—whether you’re a poker pro, a slots enthusiast, or simply seeking a glamorous night out. We’ve meticulously ranked four of London’s top casinos—The Hippodrome Casino, Grosvenor Victoria Casino (The Vic), The Empire Casino, and Grosvenor Casino The Rialto—based on visitor numbers, gaming variety, entertainment options, dining quality, and recent feedback from trusted platforms. As of March 2025, these venues stand out, collectively drawing millions with their unique atmospheres and offerings. The best london casino isn’t just about gaming; it’s about the full experience—location, ambiance, and service. Whether you’re a local planning a night out or a tourist exploring Leicester Square’s buzz, this guide helps you find the perfect spot to roll the dice or enjoy a show.
Top Casinos Ranked Fully
Leicester Square’s best casino in london welcomes 1.2 million visitors annually, making it the city’s most visited. Housed in a 1900 Grade II-listed building, it spans five floors with 45 gaming tables (poker, blackjack, roulette), 120+ slot machines, and Europe’s largest poker room, hosting a £50,000 tournament in February 2025. The cabaret theatre, seating 300, features nightly shows—burlesque and magic acts added in January 2025—while the Heliot Steak House (4 stars on OpenTable, 2024) serves Wagyu steaks with gaming floor views. The rooftop terrace, revamped in 2024, offers cocktails and panoramic views of the London Eye, complete with heaters for year-round use. Open 24/7 with free entry (smart-casual dress), it’s a West End icon.
On Edgware Road, this casino london poker haven boasts 35 poker tables—Europe’s largest Poker Room—alongside 50 slots and electronic roulette. The Loft, an alfresco gaming area, adds a unique outdoor vibe, while the restaurant offers burgers and pasta. New 2025 tournaments, including the UK Poker Tour’s Grand Final, draw crowds. It’s a poker player’s paradise near Marble Arch.
Leicester Square’s Vegas-style casino empire london features 50 tables (roulette, blackjack, Punto Banco), 127 slots with £20,000 jackpots, and a Poker Room with daily tournaments and rake-free hands (56 suited). The Icon Bar (VIP balcony) and Kings Sports Bar (24/7 sports screens) elevate the experience, alongside FuLuShou’s Asian cuisine—Malaysian lobster is a highlight. It’s a lively spot for a big night out.
Near Piccadilly Circus, this intimate venue offers 50+ slots, touchpad roulette, and the Backstage Bar with 2025 upgrades (new pizza menu). The Baccarat Lounge serves dim sum, and live sports screens add entertainment. It’s a relaxed option for a casual evening near the West End’s heart.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
Hippodrome: Reviews from Trustpilot (2.2/5), Google Maps (3.9/5), and TripAdvisor (3.6/5) highlight the atmosphere—“electric, especially during cabaret nights,” per a December 2024 Google post. The central location, diverse entertainment (gaming, shows, dining), and rooftop terrace are praised, but slow service—“waited over an hour on a March 2025 Saturday,” a Trustpilot user noted—high drink prices (£15 cocktails), and dated decor in some areas frustrate.
The Vic: TripAdvisor (3.7/5) and Google (3.8/5) laud the Poker Room—“best in the UK,” a February 2025 review said—alongside friendly staff (e.g., croupier Jonathan). However, understaffing (“an hour wait for a table,” March 2025) and high prices (£4.75 slots win for £1 spin) draw complaints, with some calling the decor dated.
Empire: Google (3.9/5) and TripAdvisor (3.6/5) praise the Vegas vibe—“like Vegas in London,” a February 2025 review noted—but high drink prices (£15 cocktails), rude security (“arrogant bouncers,” Google, December 2024), and overcrowding are issues. R
Rialto: TripAdvisor (3.6/5) loves the location—“perfect near Piccadilly,” February 2025—but limited seating, high prices (£10.80 vodka Red Bull), and outdated slots disappoint. The Hippodrome leads as the best london casino for its scale, while The Vic excels for poker.
Pick Your Casino Experience
Choosing the best casino in london depends on your preferences. For a grand, all-in experience, The Hippodrome Casino is unmatched—book cabaret tickets early and visit midweek to avoid peak crowds. Poker enthusiasts should head to casino london poker at The Vic, ideally Tuesday–Thursday, to enjoy the Poker Room without delays; sign up for free membership online first. The Empire Casino suits those craving a Vegas-style night—arrive early to secure a spot at the Icon Bar. For a more relaxed evening, Rialto’s Backstage Bar near Piccadilly Circus is ideal, perfect for a pre-movie drink. All casinos are open 24/7; bring ID (challenge 21 policies apply), dress smart-casual (no sportswear), and check 2025 schedules for events like poker tournaments or bar updates. Leicester Square’s buzz (Hippodrome, Empire) contrasts with The Vic’s poker focus near Marble Arch. Pick your vibe, plan ahead, and dive into London’s elite casino scene for an unforgettable night!
