Why Compare London Casinos?
London has one of the most concentrated casino markets in Europe. From Mayfair’s historic gaming rooms to Leicester Square’s modern entertainment complexes, each venue targets a different crowd. If you’re planning a night out or a serious session, comparing them on location, games, atmosphere and amenities saves time and money. This guide focuses on how the Hippodrome Casino measures up against other well-known London casinos.
Location and Accessibility
The Hippodrome sits on Cranbourn Street, directly opposite Leicester Square Underground station. That means Piccadilly and Northern line access within seconds, plus endless bus routes. Other London casinos are often tucked into side streets: The Ritz Club on Piccadilly, Grosvenor Casinos in Victoria or Edgware Road, and Aspers in Stratford. None match the Hippodrome’s tourist-belt footfall. For visitors combining dinner, theatre and gaming, the Hippodrome wins on sheer convenience.
Scale and History
The building opened in 1900 as a variety theatre and still retains its original facade and interior balconies. After a £30 million refurbishment, it became Europe’s largest casino by floor space when it launched in 2012. By contrast, many London casinos occupy basements or single floors. The Hippodrome spreads across four levels, with a dedicated poker room, a sports and entertainment bar, a cabaret stage and multiple gaming floors. That scale is difficult to match anywhere else in the capital.
Games and Stakes
Here is how the Hippodrome compares on core gaming options:
- Table games: Roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker and more, with stakes ranging from low-limit £5 tables to high-roller private areas.
- Poker: A dedicated 24/7 poker room with cash games and tournaments, rivalling The Poker Room at Grosvenor Victoria.
- Slots: Hundreds of electronic terminals, though not as many as the super-casinos in Stratford or Milton Keynes.
- Sports betting: On-site sports bar with large screens, similar to what you find at Empire Casino in Leicester Square.
- Live entertainment: Cabaret, magic and music shows, a feature that most London casinos lack entirely.
When you compare London venues, the hippodrome casino stands out for its scale, location and variety of games.
Atmosphere and Dress Code
The Hippodrome has a smart-casual dress code, which is more relaxed than Mayfair’s members-only clubs like Les Ambassadeurs or Annabel’s. You can walk in after a theatre show without a jacket. The crowd is mixed: tourists, after-work groups, poker regulars and occasional celebrities. Other casinos tend to be quieter and more formal, which suits some players but feels stiff to others. If you want buzz and variety, the Hippodrome delivers; if you want hushed exclusivity, Mayfair is better.
Food, Drink and Opening Hours
The Hippodrome operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, apart from Christmas Day. That is standard for London casinos, but its food offering is above average. There is a steakhouse, a casual grill and several bars, including a rooftop terrace. Smaller casinos often rely on a single bar and limited snacks. Expect London prices either way: a cocktail costs £12–£18, and main courses range from £15 to £40.
Membership and Entry
Most London casinos require free membership registration, and the Hippodrome is no exception. You need photo ID and proof of address for full membership, though visitors can often sign in as guests. Some Mayfair clubs charge annual fees or require proposers. The Hippodrome’s open-door policy makes it far easier for tourists and casual players to enter.
Pros and Cons Summary
Hippodrome pros: unbeatable location, largest floor space, 24/7 poker, live shows, relaxed dress code. Cons: can get crowded, not the cheapest table minimums, less intimate than smaller venues. Other London casinos pros: quieter, sometimes lower stakes, more exclusive feel. Cons: harder to reach, fewer games, limited entertainment.
Final Verdict
If you value convenience, variety and a lively atmosphere, the Hippodrome Casino is hard to beat. If you prefer a quiet, formal gaming room with higher limits, a Mayfair club may suit you better. Either way, compare opening hours, minimum bets and membership rules before you go. London’s casino scene is diverse enough that the right choice depends entirely on what kind of night you want.
