When you think about luxury casinos, it's easy for your mind to sway across the Atlantic to Las Vegas. With Caesars Palace, Bellagio Hotel and the MGM Grand arguably taking the cake as the most recognisable casinos on the planet, it’s easy to forget that the UK is home to casinos that are just as luxurious.
Whether you’re looking for a night out on the town with friends, or you just want to feel as cool as Sean Connery for a while, these non UK licensed casinos offer an unforgettable experience that can rival any other casino across the globe.
Of course, going to a casino might feel a bit outdated. In 2024, anyone can simply take out their phone and play games ranging from blackjack to poker in just a few seconds.
But while the best online casinos have diverse offerings, with great quality and a strong UI, the best land-based casinos can offer something a little different. Complete with bright lights, gorgeous architecture, and a fantastic atmosphere, here are the casinos that offer that old-fashioned luxury, in every respect.
The Hippodrome, London
The Hippodrome doesn’t often show up in lists of where to go for an authentic London experience, but in our opinion, it should be top of the list. The Hippodrome in London is the biggest casino in the city, complete with several gaming rooms, music rooms, late-night bars, and a buzzing restaurant.
Think about the city of Las Vegas packed into one, expansive building. The architecture is also a big talking point. Opened in 1900, the venue perfectly reflects those old Victorian values, with tall ceilings, grand open spaces, coloured brickwork, and opulent stone beams.
The Empire Casino, London
Get on the tube to Leicester Square, and you’ll come across another luxurious casino. Only opening seventeen years ago in 2007, the Empire Casino has quickly become a landmark entertainment venue, with 55 square feet table games, a balcony bar, and a restaurant serving the most exquisite British food.
Obviously, it’s a little more modern than the Hippodrome, but just because something is modern, that doesn’t automatically make it less luxurious. In fact, with a glossy, contemporary interior design with raining lights and sleek, metal viewing decks, we think this casino radiates luxury just as much as the Hippodrome.
The Rainbow Casino, Birmingham
Luxury casinos are not just exclusive to London, of course. One of our favourite casinos is 130 miles north in the glorious city of Birmingham. Known as the Rainbow Casino, this is a casino that takes your breath away before you even step through the doors.
Originally built in 1859, this building is a time capsule that has hardly changed in over 165 years, and it now effortlessly radiates a sense of style and beauty that many modern casinos have tried – and failed – to replicate.
The inside is not too shabby, either. While it might not have the same wow factor as a place like the Hippodrome, this casino still has a range of table games, slots, and a bustling restaurant. It’s stylish, entertaining, and most definitely unique.
The Alea Casino, Glasgow
Travel a little further north and you’ll eventually find yourself in the Alea Casino, in Glasgow. Complete with gorgeous views of the incredible Glasgow skyline – including the River Clyde – this casino has been proving itself as a prime destination during a night on the town.
For those who want a little more alongside their blackjack and roulette games, Alea hosts live entertainment shows every weekend, with a five-star restaurant and bar long into the early hours. It’s been a favourite amongst Glaswegians for a while now, and that’s not set to change any time soon.
Napoleons Casino, Leeds
We can’t finish this article without talking about Napoleons Casino, in Leeds. Like the Hippodrome in London, this is a quaint but grand casino that transports those inside it into a bygone era of elegance and luxury.
We mentioned Sean Connery earlier, and it really is impossible not to feel like James Bond while you’re playing poker in one of Napoleon’s many game rooms – although hopefully, the future of the world isn’t at stake during your game!
Where Napoleons really shines, however, is in the restaurant, which is signified by its curved, metallic ceiling that reflects light and creates a unique, glistening dining atmosphere. It’s all about the games, of course, but trust us, once you’re sat in the restaurant, it’s going to be very hard to leave!
Aww! Just read through your list of luxury casinos in the UK, and honestly, it missed the mark for me. I’ve been to a few of these places, and they felt more like high-society gatherings than fun nights out. One time, my mate and I visited one, and we felt so out of place, it was ridiculous. After some discussion, there was https://kwggame.game/ that we found. It's got a relaxed vibe where you can actually enjoy yourself. Worth a look, I reckon, as this place totally replaced all of this list.