The Best Casinos in London for 2026

As Oscar Wilde once said, “The Society of London is comprised of brilliant lunatics and beautiful idiots. As all societies should be”. If you live in London, you get what Wilde is saying and witnessing, even with more than a century in passing. Those who come to visit the nation’s capital, soon come to understand it as well, though just about.

The significance of this quote only shines a light on one aspect of London and that’s the people who make the capital what it is. It is the people within the 607 square miles of this city that have shaped London, both politically and socially. It’s the banking capital of the world, it’s the far too many football teams to count, it's the multitude of diverse cultures, it’s the rich and famous, and it’s also the homeless. 

From the glitz and glam attending movie premiers in Leicester Square, contrasted with the undeniable rise in crimes and gang violence. This is London as it is and as it always has been. 

When you go through London, it’s a soundscape of people, traffic, the braking screech of buses, the “mind the gap” of the London Underground. Visually, the city has everything for your eyes to gaze upon, restaurants, theatres, nightclubs, gentlemen's clubs, casinos, and shops. London is also home to famous landmarks, the Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the Churchill War Rooms, the Houses of Parliament, and the Highgate Cemetary. 

Tourists come to see the British Empire and everything it has given to the world. Not all good, but not all bad. London is a rough diamond, I know this firsthand having lived there. London is where my passion for gambling started, inside the casinos of old London town. 

London and its history of gambling dates back to 1828, just before the rise of ULEZ cameras. This is seen as the landmark moment when the opening of Crockfords happened. This was at the request of the Duke of Wellington, who sponsored the first casino in London which Willian Crockford built himself. I tried to interview William Crockford for this piece, but his press secretary advised that he was ill through death. 

Since the build of Crockfords, there have been 53 further casinos built. Which, judging by my English education, equates to a total of 54 casinos in London, one for every week of the year. What London and its people benefit from is the history of architecture. Many of the capital’s casinos are found within the most splendid of buildings that date back more than 10, 20, or 30 years, which is equivalent to America’s entire history. 

I left London nearly 15 years ago, but I decided to go back and review my old stomping grounds. Not only has London changed in this time, but so too has gambling. The industry itself has moved online and flourished and that can be seen in the best online casinos today. So have the games and the industry of sports betting. 

So, without further ado, here are my top London casinos. 

Iconic seven-floor venue in a historic theatre building, now a full entertainment hub. Alongside blackjack, roulette, slots, and electronic games, it hosts the PokerStars™ live lounge. Non-gaming draws include burlesque, Magic Mike Live, and restaurants like Heliot Steakhouse and Chop Chop. Central location, lively atmosphere, and no membership required make it one of London’s top casino experiences.

For more information, read our full Hippodrome review.

Housed in the Empire Cinema building, this 55k sq ft casino offers roulette, baccarat, blackjack, three card poker, slots, and ETGs. VIPs head to the Dragon Lounge. Belonging to Metropolitan Gaming, it runs the Met Card loyalty program. Empire is also known for poker, with tournaments leading toward the World Series of Poker. Dining is limited but the venue thrives on its prime location and gaming variety.

For more information, read our full Empire Casino review.

Part of the large Grosvenor chain, “The Vic” is open 24/7 with poker, roulette, blackjack, slots, and a bar/restaurant serving casual meals. Popular with both regulars and beginners, it offers poker lessons with free starter bets. Sports betting is also available on-site and online. A staple of London’s gambling scene, it combines accessibility with tradition.

For more information, read our full Grosvenor Victoria Casino review.

Perched at the top of Westfield Stratford City, Aspers is one of London’s largest casinos. It features 20+ tables, 150+ slots, poker, and the UK’s first in-casino sportsbook covering football, horse racing, and more. Two bars (Tanzibar and Terrace Bar) keep guests refreshed. Busy during big sports events but otherwise offers plenty of space to play. Known for casual deals like matchday drink specials.

For more information, read our full Aspers Casino London Stratford City review.

Gambling doesn’t have one set of universal rules. Players are different. We have different budgets, like different games, and we all have a strategy to win, to some degree, or at least to lose as slowly and enjoyably as possible. 

When it comes to choosing a casino to play in, there are no set rules. My only advice is to consider the six important elements that go into making successful casinos.  

Location

Living in London clearly has its advantages when attending any one of these venues. My top tip regarding location is to look at the minimal cost of travel so that expenses can be used on the games and not the getting there. 

Design

I am a sucker for architecture, but what I mean by design is the layout and functionality. A casino needs to have a flow to it, which is why all slots are usually to the side walls. You don’t want tables near a bar, and you want gaming areas to be clean and the casino providing access for players with disabilities.  

Games

A land-based casino should provide the classics. There should be roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, and slot machines. Any addition to this, then you have a casino that is trying to go beyond the norm. 

Customer Service

This is basic and you want a casino to get the basics right. I want over-the-top hellos and I want conversation with staff at the right time. Find the casino that makes you feel welcome so that you want to go back. 

Events

It is down to taste, but casino venues that put events on as an alternative option, are no bad thing. Events can begin a night out or end one. These can be the benefits of membership, parts of a promotion, or a seasonal celebration.

Amenities

Simple. Food, drink, smoking areas, accommodation, and cash machines. Look for a casino that goes above and beyond with their overall services. The best live casino experience should be beyond your expectations.