Best Gambling Destinations in London You Should Never Miss
As a premier travel locale, London has its share of world-class casinos where players can enjoy an entirely different gambling experience.
And while there are a ton of online casino sites that offer similar services at the leisure of the player’s fingertips, nothing beats the feeling of going to a land-based casino, all dressed and ready to play some games. So, we’ve compiled a quick list of land-based casinos that we recommend visiting once travel restrictions are lifted, whether you’re an avid traveler or a long-time local.
Top Casinos in London
- The Hippodrome Casino
- Empire Casino
- The Sportsman Casino
- Maxim’s Casino
- Les Ambassadeurs
The Hippodrome Casino
Here’s a celebrated casino location that also carries a rich history in entertainment. Though it started as a place for music and live performances, the Hippodrome is now famous for its wide array of casino options that are sure to scratch the gaming itch.
Always open for gamblers and thrill-seekers alike, this five-floor casino houses three distinct halls that cater to different tastes. Tickle your fancy with the casino’s lineup of live tables for poker, baccarat, and roulette, as well as several slot machines, allowing your practice in online casino games to pay off.
Originally constructed as a music hall in 1900, the Hippodrome at London’s West End was the epicenter of entertainment during the 20th century. When it was transformed into the nightclub “The Talk of the Town”, musical legends like The Jackson 5, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra took center stage at its very floor.
Empire Casino
The Empire Casino brings a taste of the famous Las Vegas strip in the middle of London: the go-to casino for those looking for an extraordinary gambling experience. Its 55,000 sq. ft. hall has over 120 slot machines and more than 50 live table games, including favorites like poker, baccarat, and roulette. For the high-rollers, Empire’s VIP Dragon Lounge provides players with royal treatment while partaking in high-stakes gambling with fellow VIPs.
Owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, the casino also houses four top-notch bars with giant wall-to-wall screens for watching live sporting events. It also offers a Pan-Asian restaurant where players can unwind and have a delicious meal while taking a break from the games.
The Sportsman Casino
Located at the heart of London, the Sportsman Casino focuses on delivering the perfect gaming experience to its patrons. From its wide selection of games to its relaxing atmosphere, this location sets the standard for fun and relaxation while playing your favorite casino games.
Choose from its range of modern slot machines featuring beloved titles like “Lord of the Ocean” and “Novoline.” For those who fancy live table games, they offer American Roulette, Punto Banco, Three Card Poker, and Blackjack tables with amazing dealers that speak multiple languages. Looking to play for bigger bets? The Sportsman offers a high-stakes area where games are intense and bets can go as high as the roof.
Other great features of this casino that make them stand out is its focus on new players and loose dress code. New players are shown the ropes by their friendly dealers, helping them enjoy the games without the added pressure. As for clothing, they apply a smart casual dress code, even allowing jeans and trainers as long as they’re not scruffy.
Maxims Casino
Toted as the casino “built for a gentleman by gentlemen,” Maxims is an institution in the London gambling scene. Established in 1862, the casino overflows with manly glamour and character: fine gaming rooms, sophisticated lounges, and more than 20 casino games for players to enjoy. Most tables have a betting range starting at £10, though Punto Banco tables are notorious for having bets as high as £25,000.
While the 160-year old casino has retained its identity as a classic location for land-based gaming, it has gracefully adapted to the modern age. As of 2019, Maxims is outfitted with several electronic slots and roulette machines that are comparable to those seen on online casino games.
Les Ambassadeurs
Oozing with elegance and sophistication, Les Ambassadeurs brings players back in time with its classic set pieces, along with a lovely view of Hyde Park. Located at Hamilton Place, the casino offers an exquisite range of luxury games, including tables for roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and three-card poker. The baccarat table in this casino was part of the 1962 James Bond movie “Dr. No,” where the great Sean Connery introduces himself with the immortal “Bond. James Bond” line.
Committed to delivering the best experience to their guests, the casino hosts five rooms within its walls, each adorned in different themes that reminisce memorable moments in history. For the casino gamer that wants more out of their gaming experience, they also offer a premium membership that gives access to private gaming rooms, the finest cuisines, and access to their exclusive events.
Conclusion
The London casino scene is bustling with top-tier casinos that match even the greatest locations in the world. Our list only touches the tip of the iceberg, as there are way more casinos than we can cover. And while most of these casinos are temporarily closed due to the recent global events, make sure to drop by once they’re back in action.
