Casino in London

London remains the capital of the British casino scene: Leicester Square's 24-hour venues combine games, gastronomy and shows, and Mayfair clubs have set the standard for "high" service. Below are the three most talked about names: Hippodrome, Empire and the legendary but already closed Crockfords.

Hippodrome Casino - Leicester Square's' tiered'flagship

Why Go: The nation's largest and one of its most visited casinos; several game floors, own restaurants and shows. The ground runs 24/7 and is billed as a "must-see" in the heart of the West End.

Where to look: Cranbourn St., Leicester Square. On the official website - details on the halls, meals and posters.

Atmosphere and format: from large poker floor to evening shows and bars; aimed at a mixed audience - from tourists to local regulars.

A little history: the current incarnation of the casino opened after a large-scale reconstruction of the historic building (Hippodrome - theater of the turn of the century).

Empire Casino - "Vegas style" right in the square

Why go: One of the West End's most famous 24-hour venues, complete with poker and a large sports bar. Official Leicester Square guides confirm the 24-hour regime.

Where to look: 5-6 Leicester Square; current events - in the site tapes and on city resources.

Atmosphere and format: dynamic "Vegas-style" floor, focus on live games and events, convenient location for the night city.

Crockfords - elite Myfair legend (closed)

Status: Crockfords closed in October 2023 - the end of nearly two centuries of Mayfair private club Genting. The reasons are the decline in high-roller traffic and the competitive environment.

Legacy: The club has shaped the image of the "high" London game scene for decades and has become part of urban folklore (including high-profile court stories). Today, his role is a cultural landmark and a case study on how the high-end segment is changing.

Useful before visit

Age and ID: entry strictly 18 +; in practice, the principle of Challenge 25 applies - take a passport/identity card. (See rules on site sites.)

Operating modes: flagships at Leicester Square - round-the-clock; specific areas (show/sports bar) may have their own schedule.

Dress code: usually smart casual; clarify local rules on official resources.

Safer gambling: British operators work under the supervision of UKGC and post responsible play tools and help contacts on their websites.

In 2025, London's "live" casino is primarily Hippodrome and Empire in Leicester Square: 24-hour access, a strong entertainment component and a central location. Crockfords remains an important part of history, but as a site no longer works from the fall of 2023. When planning an evening, check official sites for hours, events and rules - and play responsibly.