London’s casino scene isn’t just about slots and roulette-it’s a full-night experience
If you’re looking for more than just a quick spin of the wheel, London delivers. The city’s top casinos blend high-stakes games with live music, craft cocktails, and VIP lounges that feel like private clubs. Forget dusty card rooms-you’re stepping into spaces where the energy matches the stakes. Places like The Hippodrome Casino and Aspers Casino aren’t just gambling spots; they’re destinations that stay open until 3 a.m. or later, with food, drinks, and entertainment built right in.
Top 5 casinos that double as nightlife hotspots
Not all casinos in London are created equal when it comes to after-hours vibes. Here are the five that turn gambling into an all-night event:
- The Hippodrome Casino (Covent Garden): Open since 1900, this historic venue reopened in 2014 as a full-blown entertainment hub. It has over 500 slot machines, 40+ table games, and a live stage that hosts comedy, cabaret, and jazz acts until 2 a.m. The bar area stays packed until closing, with mixologists crafting signature cocktails like the London Roulette-a gin-based drink with edible gold flakes.
- Aspers Casino (Stratford): The largest casino in the UK by floor space, Aspers isn’t just big-it’s loud. With 1,000+ machines and 80+ tables, it’s a magnet for weekend crowds. But what sets it apart is the Club Aspers lounge, where DJs spin house and techno from midnight to 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Entry is free with a minimum £20 table game spend.
- Casino at the Empire (Leicester Square): This sleek, modern venue leans into luxury. Think velvet booths, crystal chandeliers, and a private high-roller room that requires a reservation. The real draw? The Empire Bar, which serves rare whiskies and has a rotating lineup of live soul and jazz bands. It’s the only casino in London where you can hear a saxophone solo between blackjack hands.
- London Club Casino (Mayfair): A favorite among locals and celebrities, this members-only spot feels more like a private club than a public casino. It’s small-only 20 tables-but the stakes are high. Minimum bets start at £25 for blackjack and £50 for baccarat. The real nightlife perk? The After Hours Lounge, open until 5 a.m., with a cigar terrace and a curated playlist of 90s R&B and UK garage.
- Jack’s Casino (Wembley): A hidden gem for those who want to skip the tourist crowds. Jack’s has a dedicated poker room that runs daily tournaments, but its secret weapon is the Jack’s Bar, which opens at 9 p.m. and turns into a dance floor by 11. It’s one of the few places in London where you can win £500 on roulette and still make it to the dance floor before midnight.
What makes a casino great for nightlife? It’s not just the games
Some casinos feel like waiting rooms with flashing lights. The best ones in London understand that people don’t just come for the odds-they come for the atmosphere. Look for venues that offer:
- Live entertainment beyond background music-think stand-up comedians, magicians, or live bands playing between game sessions.
- Food that’s actually good, not just burgers and fries. Places like The Hippodrome serve gourmet tapas, while Casino at the Empire has a full Italian menu with truffle pasta and handmade gnocchi.
- Flexible entry rules. Some casinos charge cover fees after 10 p.m., while others let you in free if you play at least one game. Aspers and Jack’s don’t charge entry at all if you’re gambling.
- Late-night service. If the bar closes at 1 a.m. but the tables are still open, you’re stuck. The top spots keep drinks flowing until the last player leaves.
How to make the most of your night out
Walking into a casino at 11 p.m. without a plan is a recipe for disappointment. Here’s how to turn a casual night into a memorable one:
- Check the event calendar. Many casinos host weekly themed nights-like Blackjack & Blues on Thursdays or High Roller Poker on Saturdays. These often include free drinks for winners.
- Join their loyalty program. Most casinos offer free drinks, priority seating, or even free parking if you sign up on-site. It takes two minutes and saves you £20+ over the night.
- Set a budget-not just for gambling, but for the whole night. A good rule: split your spending 50/30/20. Half for games, 30% for food and drinks, 20% for tips or unexpected costs.
- Arrive after 10 p.m. The crowds are thinner, the tables are looser, and the staff is more relaxed. You’ll get better service and maybe even a complimentary cocktail.
- Know when to walk away. If you’ve hit your budget or the vibe has turned stale, leave. The best nights end before they get messy.
What to avoid
Not every casino with a neon sign is worth your time. Skip places that:
- Have no live entertainment or music beyond piped-in pop songs.
- Force you to buy a £25 drink to enter.
- Look like they haven’t been updated since 2005-dull lighting, outdated machines, staff who don’t smile.
- Don’t have a clear closing time posted. If they’re vague about when they shut down, they’re probably cutting corners.
Where to go after the casino closes
London’s nightlife doesn’t stop when the last card is dealt. If you’re still buzzing after 3 a.m., head to one of these nearby spots:
- The Jazz Cafe (Camden): Just a 10-minute cab ride from The Hippodrome, this legendary venue opens at 2 a.m. on weekends with live soul and funk acts.
- Bar Termini (Soho): Open until 4 a.m., this Italian-style bar serves espresso martinis and negronis with zero pretense. It’s where the casino staff go after their shift.
- The Box Soho: If you want something wilder, this cabaret-style club offers burlesque, drag, and immersive theater performances. Entry is £20, but it’s the only place in London where you can dance on a table after midnight and not get kicked out.
Who’s really playing here?
Don’t assume every table is filled with high rollers. In London, casinos attract a mix: tourists, young professionals on a night out, retirees who play weekly, and even local artists who use gambling as inspiration. The average bet at a mid-tier table is £15-£25. You don’t need to be rich to have fun-you just need to know where to go and when.
Seasonal shifts: What’s different in winter?
December through February is peak season. The crowds are bigger, the events are more frequent, and the energy is electric. Many casinos run holiday-themed nights: Christmas poker tournaments, New Year’s Eve roulette challenges with champagne toasts, and even free gift cards for the first 100 players on December 31. If you’re visiting in winter, book your table in advance-especially for New Year’s Eve. Spots at The Hippodrome and Casino at the Empire sell out weeks ahead.
Are casinos in London open every night?
Yes, most major casinos in London are open seven days a week. The Hippodrome, Aspers, and Casino at the Empire stay open until 3 a.m. or later, with extended hours on weekends. Smaller venues like Jack’s Casino may close earlier on weekdays, but still open until 2 a.m. daily.
Do I need to dress up to go to a casino in London?
It depends. Places like London Club Casino in Mayfair require smart casual-no shorts, flip-flops, or hoodies. But at Aspers or Jack’s, jeans and a nice shirt are fine. You’ll never be turned away for being underdressed, but dressing up gets you better service and access to VIP areas.
Can I play poker in London without being a member?
Yes. All major casinos offer public poker tables and tournaments. You don’t need a membership to play. The London Club is the only one that requires membership for entry, but even there, you can book a table as a guest with a reservation.
Are drinks free at London casinos?
Not usually. But many casinos offer free drinks to players who spend over £20 on table games or hit a jackpot on slots. The Hippodrome and Casino at the Empire often give one complimentary cocktail per player during evening hours. Always ask the dealer or bar staff-they’ll tell you what’s on offer.
Is it safe to walk to a casino at night in London?
Yes, the main casino districts-Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Mayfair, and Stratford-are well-lit, patrolled, and busy until late. Avoid side streets, stick to main roads, and use licensed cabs or ride-shares if you’re heading out after 2 a.m. Most casinos offer free drop-off and pickup for guests who request it.
Final tip: The best nights start with curiosity, not cash
Don’t go to a London casino just to win. Go to feel the buzz, hear the clink of chips, laugh with strangers who become friends over a shared hand of blackjack. The real jackpot isn’t the money-it’s the memory of a night that felt alive. And in London, those nights are easier to find than you think.