There are certain iconic cities and certain mythical venues that echo in gambling folklore. We think of Monte Carlo and Las Vegas; shimmering, enticing destinations for the romantic punter. London also has a firm place at the centre of this wagering map too.

The swinging sixties super-charged this reputation, spear-headed by the arrival of the Bond movies and the iconic reveal of Sean Connery as 007, louchely smoking his cigarette while enjoying his game of Chemin de Fer. Although it was filmed in a studio, the casino the scene was based on is unmistakeably Les Ambassadeurs, the very venue where Ian Fleming met Bond producer Cubby Broccoli for the first time.

Today, London’s casino scene is still thriving and attracts a global army of eager players, keen on tapping into the glories of the past, as well as enjoying a palpably pulsating present!

Allow us to take you on a quick tour of the UK’s capital city in our virtual black cab and highlight the casino hotspots we think you will enjoy the most, as well as the best eateries, watering holes and hotels that are attached to them!  

What should you be looking for in a London Casino? 

A decent spread of table games is the first place to look. Roulette, Blackjack and Baccarat should all be offered, as well as an array of Poker tables. In addition, a range of top slots are essential, with some chunky, Progressive Jackpots among them. Atmosphere is a harder thing to define, but you know it when you feel it! We like to think of a hushed but energised hubbub as the dream ticket.

A mix of excitement, concentration and general merry-making. This is provided by the décor (not too tacky but not too austere), the croupiers and dealers (attentive, friendly and uber-efficient but not overly chatty) and value for money (drinks and snacks should be easily available but not extortionately priced). Easy! 

The Best Casinos in London 

We need to acknowledge first of all that London isn’t the place for resort-style casinos. The mega-barns of Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Australia’s Gold Coast are a different beast and not something easily accommodated in the bustling metropolis that is London.

However, that doesn’t affect the huge number of options casino fans have awaiting you when your plane touches down at Heathrow or your train pulls in to Victoria Station. At the last count, there are 24 casinos in London. Here are the Top 5 in our estimation. 

The Hippodrome 

With 24/7 access and a welcoming, no-membership-required door policy, The Hippodrome has long been a favourite for Londoners and visitors alike. There are actually 3 separate casinos contained in the Hippodrome, each with its own unique styling and flavour.

It is located near Westminster, slap-bang in the heart of the capital, making it easily accessible. It has won multiple awards in the last few years, so you know you will be in good hands.

The Hippodrome has the largest poker room anywhere in the city and regularly hosts tournaments that attract top players from all over the world. 

Les Ambassadeurs 

The Bond magic lives on! Now over 100 years old, Les Ambassadeurs still attracts a huge number of players, drawn to the history, decadent luxury and 24/7 never-sleeps-energy of the casino, perfectly situated in the heart of Mayfair. Whether you want the communal buzz of fellow members or are seeking a more private session, this is the place for you. And if you work up an appetitie at the tables, you won’t have far to travel to enjoy some fine dining.

Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern and European cuisine options are all available at the in-house restaurants, as well as some very fine wines. If it was good enough for Bond and the Beatles, then why not give the Ambassadeurs a go?! 

The Grosvenor Victoria 

There are 7 Grosvenor Casinos to enjoy in London and, in our opinion, the Grosvenor Victoria is the finest of them all. Having just completed a £15 million refurbishment, the Victoria retains all the class it has built up over the years, just with added pizzazz. Now housed in stunning new surroundings, the gaming room has been completely modernised.

There is a sparkling new outdoor terrace bar, where you can enjoy a vodka martini or two (shaken, not stirred, natch) and the new poker room is already becoming a must-visit destination for fans of the game (there are, count them, 35 poker options…).

The Victoria has a 4.2/5 rating on Google and the Victoria now offers casino packages for the complete experience, such as the All-In experience (including a welcome cocktail and 30-minute private session) and the Poker Hand experience (2 hours with a private dealer and access to tournament play, as well as £15 in Free Casino money).

The restaurant is more functional than some of the fine-dining alternatives, but delivers the goods, including wings, pizzas and burgers. Finally, the “smart casual” dress code covers most bases, from natty tuxedos to jeans and smart trainers. 

You can also try the Grosvenor Casino’s slots online version.

Empire Casino 

Nestled in London’s iconic Leicester Square, the Empire Casino is a natural choice for tourists and locals looking for a central and high-class gambling den. Famous for its Blackjack, American Roulette and Punto Banco tables, there is also one of the most impressive Cocktail bars in the city. The Kings Sports Bar is fantastic venue for sports-betting fans and overs global coverage of sports, notably the NFL, and is open an incredible 24/7; perfect for when that jet-lag strikes!

And if you are peckish, the American Sports Bar menu delivers state-side quality (and quantity!) in a London setting. Unlike some rivals, you don’t have to be a high-roller to enjoy an evening at the Empire, with most tables having a modest minimum stake (such as £5 for the Punto Banco tables). A great choice for your wagering weekend in the Big Smoke.  

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The Sportsman Casino 

“We go the extra mile” might be a well-worn marketing cliché, but these guys very much walk the walk when it comes to delivering a top-notch casino experience in London. Located centrally near Marble Arch, the Sportsman has an intimate atmosphere and doesn’t require membership, so all are welcome. Furthermore, there is no entry fee, so you don’t start the evening in deficit!

The restaurant specialises in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine and is rated very highly. There are slots-galore to enjoy, all accompanied by some of the most comfortable seats in the city, elevating your slot experience. The most popular table game in the Sportsman is American Roulette and it attracts all stripes of player, from the everyday Joe to the “Whale”, covering £10 to £3,000 a pop.

And if you prefer a quiet game of electronic Roulette, you will only ned to part with 25p a spin. We think this is a cracking venue and, justifiably, has a high-rate of returning players. 

What are the best hotels for your Casino Weekend in London?

London has some of the best hotels in the world, ranging from modest to high-end, so you will be spoiled for choice. Here are 5 options that should suit every budget.

The Park Tower Knightsbridge

With a casino in-house, this is the ideal choice for punters who don’t want to move too far. High-end luxury.

• Address: 101 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RN
• Website: theparktowerknightsbridge.com
• Average price: £300–£500 per night
• Rating: 4.1/5 (Tripadvisor, based on thousands of reviews)

The Royal Horseguards Hotel

This grand riverside hotel will give you a taste of London’s historic past but you won’t need a bank loan to afford the c. £175-a-night rate.

• Address: 2 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EJ
• Website: theroyalhorseguards.com
• Average price: £250–£300 per night
• Rating: 4.0/5 (Tripadvisor)

The Z Hotel Piccadilly

A modern gem in the West End, offering very affordable accommodation for punters wanting to stay central. Rooms are compact but ultra-modern and well-equipped. At under £90 for a night, the Z is the perfect choice for players on a medium budget.

• Address: 2 Orange Street, London WC2H 7DF
• Website: thezhotels.com/piccadilly
• Average price: £85–£120 per night
• Rating: 8.1/10 (Booking.com user reviews)

Premier Inn London County Hall

It may be south of the river, but only just. A brisk 15-minute walk from the Hippodrome Casino and backed by the chain’s reliable comfort, this is serious value in the capital.

• Address: Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PB
• Website: premierinn.com
• Average price: £90–£130 per night
• Rating: 4.0/5 (Tripadvisor)

Travelodge London Covent Garden

Another budget option in the heart of town. Rooms from around £50 a night — practically unheard of in London — make it ideal for players who want to spend their money on the tables, not the bed.

• Rating: 3.9/5 (Tripadvisor)
• Address: 10 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5RE
• Website: travelodge.co.uk
• Average price: £60–£180 per night depending on season

Remember, you live in the United Kingdom, which means you can always gamble online at the best and trusted online casinos.

Credit:petekarici