Casino tourism means travelling to different destinations specifically to visit the casinos.
There’s little wonder that it’s a growing activity – it’s a way of combining all the entertainment and recreational aspects of casinos with the overall experience of exploring a new location.
Many popular tourist destinations around the world have incorporated casinos as part of their attractions. These have become important ways to bring in new visitors and boost local economies.
Destination casinos usually offer a range of amenities and entertainment like hotels, restaurants, live shows, shopping centres and gardens.
They appeal to everyone, whether they just want to play slots or find an overall holiday experience.
The best-known destinations for casino tourism include Las Vegas in the United States, Macau in China, Monte Carlo in Monaco, and Atlantic City in the United States.
These cities have developed a reputation and attract millions of tourists each year.
Casino tourism has been a growing trend in recent years. The global casino industry has experienced significant growth and many regions recognize the potential economic benefits of attracting casino tourists.
It may not have the reputation of Vegas or Macau, but the UK capital of London is building its own name as a casino tourism destination.
In London, there are several prestigious, well-established casinos offering a luxurious and high-quality experience.
Some of the notable casinos in the city include The Hippodrome Casino, The Empire Casino, and The Ritz Club. They each offer table games, slot machines, poker rooms and other gaming options.
London’s casinos often feature elegant settings, upscale restaurants, bars, and live entertainment, providing visitors with a complete entertainment experience. Some casinos in London also host international poker tournaments and other special events.
Note that the casino industry in the United Kingdom is regulated, and all casinos hold licenses. This ensures visitors enjoy a safe experience.
While London may be more famous for historical and cultural attractions, the casinos attract both local casino gamers and tourists.
Here are six of the top London casinos:
The Hippodrome Casino
Right in the heart of London’s West End, The Hippodrome is one of the city’s most iconic gaming establishments. Housed in a historic building, it offers a wide range of table games, slot machines, and a dedicated poker room.
The casino also features a cabaret theatre, steakhouse, and six bars including the three-story Heliot Cocktail Bar with panoramic views of the gaming area.
The in-house performance venue, the Hippodrome Live hosts live shows, including concerts, comedy and cabaret.
The Empire Casino
In the heart of the city’s Leicester Square entertainment area, The Empire Casino is known for a vibrant and lively atmosphere. It offers a diverse selection of table games, including blackjack, roulette, and poker, as well as slot machines.
The casino also houses the Carlsberg Sports Bar, a popular spot for sports enthusiasts to watch live events on large screens.
The standout feature of The Empire is its stunning interior design, which draws inspiration from Monte Carlo’s famous period casino.
The Ritz Club
This is situated within the prestigious Ritz Hotel. It’s a luxurious and exclusive casino. The ‘club’ features elegant gaming rooms with traditional table games and offers personalized services, including private gaming suites and fine dining options.
The casino also provides a concierge service that assists guests with travel arrangements, hotel reservations, and other personalized requests.
Aspers Casino
Aspers is a different sort of venue. It stands in the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, away from the heart of the city.
Nevertheless, Aspers is one of the busiest casinos in London. It has a spacious gaming floor with a wide variety of table games, slot machines, and electronic gaming options.
There are also multiple bars, restaurants, and a live entertainment venue. Aspers provides the largest poker room in London.
Another highlight is the Sky Bar, a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views.
The Palm Beach Casino
Ignore the name, this is actually located in the upscale Mayfair district. The Palm Beach is known for its sophisticated ambiance with a range of table games, including American roulette, blackjack, and three-card poker.
The casino also features private gaming rooms for VIP guests. It also features a contemporary restaurant specializing in international cuisine.
Grosvenor Victoria Casino
Commonly known as “The Vic,” Grosvenor Victoria Casino is one of the oldest casinos in London. It offers a comprehensive selection of games and is renowned for its dedicated poker room, which hosts various tournaments and cash games.
The casino also offers poker tuition for beginners, providing an opportunity to learn and improve poker skills in an impressive environment.
Each of these London casinos aim to provide visitors with an special experience.
They can form unique destinations in their own right – or be combined in an overall memorable casino tourism visit to London.
