London's Casinos in 2026 — Mayfair Members vs Public Floors
London has ~25 active casinos split between West End walk-in floors and Mayfair members' clubs that look like Edwardian drawing rooms.
London casinos split into two types: walk-in West End floors (Hippodrome, Empire, Rialto, Horizons) where anyone with photo ID can play, and Mayfair members' clubs (Crockfords, Les Ambassadeurs, Aspinalls) where membership is required, vetted, and not cheap. UK casinos all single-zero roulette; tables £5–25 mass-floor; high-rooms £100+.
London casinos have a split personality. The West End walk-ins are loud, fast, tourist-heavy. Mayfair members' clubs are quiet, oak-panelled, jacket-required, and where serious money has played for a century.
Walk-in West End
Tables £5 (electronic) to £25+ (live blackjack/roulette/baccarat). Three-card poker, Punto Banco, sometimes Casino Hold'em.
The Mayfair clubs
Membership at top clubs is by introduction or significant deposit. Crockfords historically required deposits of £25,000+.
Aspers Stratford — London's biggest by floor
For sheer scale, Aspers Stratford (in Westfield mall, beside the Olympic park) is the largest casino in the UK by gaming positions. Walk-in friendly, mainstream. Tables £5–25, plus the largest electronic floor in London.
What to play
UK casinos all run single-zero roulette by default. Blackjack rules typically European (no hole card; soft 17 stands; doubles after split allowed). House edge ~0.5–0.7% with reasonable rules — among the best in Europe.
Avoid Punto Banco "Super 6" tables (worse house edge); stick to standard banker/player odds.
Logistics
The 24-hour membership rule was relaxed in 2009 but most casinos still ask for a brief membership form on first visit (ID required). Free and instant at walk-in clubs.
Dress: smart-casual at walk-ins. Jacket required at members' clubs after 7pm. Closed shoes everywhere.
Topics
- uk
- london
- europe