The top places to play poker in London
As one of the most exciting and historic cities in the world, London has so much to offer. From tourist attractions like the Tower of London and Big Ben, thisissoho offers much insight into one of London’s cultural hostspots and the West End’s theatre district and the fantastic shopping, there is so much to see and do in England’s capital city — which is why millions of people around the world come for a visit, or make it their new home.
London is also a hotspot for casino games, where many popular online providers like 888 and amongst others have made itself at home amongst the gambling populace. With so many excellent casino options on offer across the city, it’s hard to know where to start. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 casinos in London to visit below.
Hippodrome Casino
The Hippodrome Casino is a great spot if you want a little bit of everything. Conveniently situated in Leicester Square, it offers its visitors a complete gaming experience with three gaming floors, a Poker Stars deck following the usual poker rules, slots room as well as a 180-seat cabaret theatre. It’s also home to six bars, an indoor smoking terrace and a steakhouse for visitors to enjoy. It is also the place you want to go if you want to visit Magic Mike Live!
Attracting both casual and hardcore gamers, the venue offers a fantastic mixture of theatre, gambling and hospitality options. If you’re looking for something casual and fun, the Hippodrome is definitely a good option.
Grosvenor Casino Victoria
Known by regulars as ‘The Vic’, the Grosvenor Casino Victoria is a fantastic blend of sophistication and entertainment, with games such as blackjack, American Roulette and poker. It’s open to the general public 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a total of 32 gaming tables. It’s also got its own bar, function room and restaurant, offering many international dishes and classics.
It also has a smart casual dress code — which means you have to make a bit effort but can still be quite casual and relaxed. Located in Paddington, one of the busies areas of the city, heatheronhertravels highlights that it’s close to so many popular attractions making it a convenient location for tourists and locals alike.
Empire Casino
A former ballroom located in Leicester Square, its home ot one of the most luxurious poker rooms in the city. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the casino offers a variety of games including American Roulette, Punto Banco, Slots, Blackjack and more. Their poker room even offers reclining seats at each table for the most comfortable experience possible.
You don’t need to register to play at the Empire, but if you do you have the opportunity to build up loyalty points and enter tournaments reserved specifically for their regulars. Food and drinks options include their iconic balcony bar and sports bar.
Aspers Stratford
East London’s biggest 24/7 nightlife venue, this establishment opened back in 2012 and offers a host of live cash games throughout the day and night. With all you could want from a poker room, this is also a fantastic spot for new players as the venue offers free rake tables where staff are available to give you tips and coaching to help you improve your game — and your chances to win at the real tables! They’re also hosts to a range of tournaments including satellite qualifiers for big events.
But Aspers is much more than just a casino. They offer a wide range of bar and dining options including the Sky Bar, Roof Terrace, Zanzibar Sports Bar and Clary’s Restaurant. The dress code is smart casual, entry is free and you don’t need to be a member to enter the casino — although they do encourage you to join their loyalty scheme.
Genting Casino Cromwell Mint
Based in the popular area of Kensignton, this poker room first opened its doors back in 2012. With a dedicated 70 seat poker room and bar, and a Texas Hold’em tournament held every evening accompanied by cash games, this is an ideal spot for poker lovers. Known for its atmosphere of a fun and classy experience, they also offer blackjack, three-card poker and baccarat tables as well as a whole host of slot machines and American Roulette tables.
Their restaurant offers an exotic a la carte menu as well as breakfast and dinner services and a full-course buffet.
The dress code, like most casinos in London, allows only smart casual and formal wear. And while membership is not required, registered members will receive perks and rewards as part of a loyalty scheme, so it’s well worth looking into if you’re thinking of becoming a regular visitor. In 2019, it was announced the casino would undergo a multi-million pounnd refurbishment and rebrand, combining world class, upgraded gaming with a first class dining experience in the heart of South Kensington.
When you’ve finished having fun in the UK’s capital, thedevondaily can help you plot your next getaway where you can experience the best of what the south west of England has to offer.
