Poker in London has its own unique charm. One night you might be in a grand West End casino facing sharp tournament regulars, the next in a low-key club where everyone knows each other’s name.
The city’s cardrooms range from glamorous to gritty, with cash games running alongside steady tournament schedules.
This guide is here to show you exactly where to play poker in London, from headline events at the Hippodrome to small weekday sit‑and‑gos in tucked‑away poker clubs.
Top 5 Places to Play Poker in London (2025 Latest)
Here’s a quick look at the best London poker rooms for every style and bankroll. Some are open around the clock, others keep tighter hours, but all of them see steady action at the right times.
| Rank | Casino Name | Opening Hours | Tables Available | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genting Stratford Poker | 24/7 | 35 | Olympic Park, 312 Montfichet Rd |
| 2 | Empire Poker Room | 24/7 | 9 | 5-6 Leicester Square |
| 3 | Hilton Park Lane Casino | 2pm to 7am | 17 | 22 Park Lane, Mayfair |
| 4 | Hippodrome Poker Room | 24/7 | 17 | Cranbourn St, Leicester Sq. |
| 5 | Grosvenor Barracuda | 24/7 | 2 | Baker Street |
If you love the sound of chips shuffling and the rush of a well‑timed bluff, these are the poker rooms worth your seat time. Each brings its own mix of games, players, and atmosphere.
1. Genting Stratford Poker – Biggest Room in the UK
| Buy-in Range | £1 – £2 |
| Opening Hours | 24/7 |
| Location | Westfield Stratford City, The Loft, Olympic Park, 312 Montfichet Rd, London E20 1ET |
| Website | Genting Casino Stanford |
Genting Stratford is home to the largest poker room in the UK, with over 35 tables and a constant flow of action. Regular events range from the British Poker Series to regular leagues, so there’s always something running.
You don’t need membership to play, but ID is checked at the door. Cash games are well attended most evenings, with weekends drawing in a deep player pool from across London and beyond.
For tournament players, the schedule is packed and well‑structured, offering everything from small buy‑ins to bigger headline events. The atmosphere is busy but welcoming, making it a solid first stop for anyone serious about poker in London.
2. Empire Poker Room – Central and Consistent
| Buy-in Range | £50-£400 |
| Opening Hours | 24/7 |
| Location | 5–6 Leicester Square, London |
| Website | Empire Poker Room |
Empire Poker Room is in Leicester Square, less than a minute from the Underground. It’s one of the easiest poker spots to reach in London, surrounded by restaurants, theatres, and late‑night options.
Games run all day, every day. You’ll find 1/2, 1/3, and 2/5 Hold’em, plus Omaha if enough players want it. Daily tournaments usually draw around 50 entries, keeping them competitive but manageable.
Players like the professional dealers, comfortable tables, and regular promotions such as the rake‑free “Empire Hand.” It can get warm and busy at peak times, but the central location and steady schedule make it a solid choice.
3. Hilton Park Lane Casino – Luxury with a View
| Buy-in Range | £50-£1,000 |
| Opening Hours | 2pm – 7am |
| Location | 22 Park Lane, Mayfair, London |
| Website | Park Lane Casino |
Hilton Park Lane Casino, also known as Park Lane Club, sits inside one of London’s famous hotels, overlooking Hyde Park. It offers a private, refined setting where poker runs alongside blackjack, roulette, and other table games.
The poker room is small but well-kept, attracting a constant crowd of locals and regulars. Guests always mention the welcoming staff and attentive service, with many players on a first-name basis with the dealers and hosts.
While not as busy as the central London poker rooms, the setting, service, and comfort make it a good choice if you prefer calm surroundings over packed poker rooms. The on-site bar and dining options add to the experience.
4. Hippodrome Poker Room – PokerStars’ London Base
| Buy-in Range | Cash: £50 – No Max / Tourneys: £60 – £1,100 |
| Opening Hours | 24/7 (weekends) / Mon–Fri 12 pm–6 am |
| Location | Cranbourn St, Leicester Square, London |
| Website | Hippodrome Poker Room |
Hippodrome Poker Room is home to PokerStars LIVE, taking up the entire third floor of this landmark West End casino. With 17 tables, a private bar, smoking terrace, and cash desk, it’s built for serious live action.
Cash games range from £1/£2 to £100/£200, with Omaha and streamed feature tables available. Tournaments include monthly £1,100 events, Super Series, and special festival stops, attracting a mix of tourists and regular grinders.
Players repeatedly mention the friendly atmosphere with quick seating, though bar service can lag during busy times. For big-name events or high-stakes cash, this is the flagship spot for poker in London.
5. Grosvenor Barracuda – Compact and Upscale
| Buy-in Range | Cash: £50 – No Max / Tourneys: £60 – £1,100 |
| Opening Hours | 24/7 |
| Location | Baker Street, London |
| Website | Grosvenor Barracuda |
The Grosvenor Barracuda is one of London’s smaller poker venues, with just two tables, but it’s known for a more refined setting than most central cardrooms. The main gaming floor offers roulette, blackjack and other table games alongside poker.
The recently refurbished poker room runs occasional tournaments and private games, attracting a mix of locals and members looking for a quieter space. While the poker traffic isn’t constant, events are well-organised and service is attentive.
One visitor praised the stylish feel and friendly staff, though noted it’s not the place for round‑the‑clock poker action. For a relaxed, club‑like atmosphere in central London, Barracuda fits the bill.
Can You Play Poker Online in London?
Online poker is fully legal in London, provided the site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. This means you can safely play on PokerStars, partypoker, 888poker, and even the Hippodrome online casino from home or while travelling.
Many players combine online sessions with live action at a poker casino in London, always using satellites to qualify for events at venues like the Hippodrome or Grosvenor.
For banking, the fastest and most secure options include the top Google Pay casinos in the UK. Always set limits, play within your means, and know that playing for money at home in the UK is fine as long as it’s private and not a public business.
What Type of Poker Can You Play in London?
Most poker rooms in London focus on No‑Limit Texas Hold’em. It’s the game you’ll see in nearly every tournament and most cash games.
Bigger venues like The Vic or Empire also spread Pot‑Limit Omaha, which attracts a loyal crowd in the evenings.
Common options include:
- No‑Limit Texas Hold’em: The main game for both cash and tournaments.
- Pot‑Limit Omaha: Popular at The Vic, Empire, and other larger venues.
- Dealer’s Choice or 5‑Card Draw: Seen in some private poker clubs in London.
From daily cash games London regulars depend on, to qualifiers for live poker tournaments London hosts at Hippodrome Poker London or Barracuda, there’s a steady calendar of poker events London players can join year‑round.
Where to Play Poker Tournaments in London?
London has a busy poker tournament calendar, ranging from small daily events to high‑buy‑in festivals.
Most of the bigger poker series are held at well‑known venues such as the Hippodrome and Grosvenor Victoria, with prize pools that can reach six figures.
Popular formats include:
- Freezeouts and deepstacks for longer play
- Turbo events for faster action
- Bounty and mystery bounty tournaments
- Satellite qualifiers into larger series
Some of the best poker tournaments in London include the Victoria Deepstack, Hippodrome Lightning, BPS Carnival, and 888poker LIVE Festival.
Upcoming poker tournaments and events like these attract players from across the UK and Europe, making London a year‑round hub for competitive poker.
| Tournament Name | Venue | Date | Buy‑in | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria Deepstack | Grosvenor Victoria Casino | 27–31 Aug 2025 | £300 + £40 | Deepstack |
| Hippodrome Lightning Tournament (Aug) | Hippodrome Casino | 5 Aug 2025 | £1,000 + £100 | Turbo |
| BPS Carnival London | Genting (Aspers) Casino | 13–17 Aug 2025 | £260 + £40 | Multi‑day |
| Women’s Summer Festival | The Clermont London (Hippodrome) | 12–17 Aug 2025 | £400 Main / £1,100 HR | Festival |
| 888poker LIVE Festival London | Grosvenor Victoria Casino | 4–14 Sep 2025 | ~£1,100 + £150 | Festival |
| BPS 200 London (Autumn) | Genting (Aspers) Casino | 9–14 Sep 2025 | £200 + £35 | Multi‑day |
| London Poker Festival Main Event | Aspers Casino | 4–9 Nov 2025 | £400 | Main Event |
Poker Rules and Legal Info for Playing in London
London poker rules are set by the UK Gambling Commission. You must be 18 or older, carry a valid photo ID, and play only in licensed casinos or approved poker clubs in London.
Key rules to keep in mind:
- Dress code: Most venues accept smart casual, though high‑end rooms may expect more.
- At the table: Phones are banned during hands; only English is allowed during play.
- Private games: No unlicensed cash games; they must be hosted by an approved venue.
For both tournaments and normal poker games London hosts, it’s worth checking each venue’s house rules on buy‑ins, betting limits, and conduct before you join.
Tips to Choose the Best Poker Spot for You In London
Choosing where to play in London depends on your location, bankroll, and preferred game type. A little planning can make a big difference to your experience.
- For central action with steady traffic, Hippodrome or Empire are reliable picks.
- If you want lower‑stakes cash games in a relaxed setting, Golden Horseshoe or Eltham Terrace work well.
- Regular tournament players often favour The Vic or Hippodrome for their packed schedules.
Check rake rates, weekday versus weekend traffic, dealer quality, and promotions. Most poker rooms post schedules online, so it’s worth looking before you head in.
What’s Special About London’s Poker Scene
Poker in London stands out for its variety. You can play in small club‑style venues one night and a high‑profile central casino the next.
Local spots like Eltham Terrace focus on constant cash games with a familiar crowd. They’re relaxed, but the play can still be sharp.
In the West End, casinos such as the Hippodrome run daily tournaments that attract visitors from all over the world.
The mix of locals, tourists, professionals, and casual players keeps the city’s poker rooms busy all year, with something to suit almost any style.
Final Thought: Genting Stratford Has The Biggest Casino Room In London
Where to play poker in London really comes down to your style. Some players want a long cash grind, others prefer the pace of daily tournaments, and a few chase only the big series events.
The city has the variety to cover all of those needs. You’ll find games at every level, in venues that are both safe and professionally run.
Just remember to bring valid ID, check opening hours, and plan ahead if you’re aiming for peak evenings or major festival dates.
Pick your spot, take your seat, and get your chips in play. London’s poker tables are ready when you are.
FAQs
The Vic, Hippodrome, and Empire all offer strong games, with each suiting a slightly different playing style.
Tournaments are run under UK Gambling Commission licences and are a regular feature in many London poker rooms.
Golden Horseshoe and Eltham Terrace offer a friendly pace, lower stakes, and a less intimidating atmosphere for newcomers.
Most larger casinos in central London run daily events alongside their regular cash games schedules.
Typical buy‑ins range from £30 to £200, with occasional festival events offering much higher stakes.
A government‑issued photo ID is required to enter and register for any poker games in London.
I started my career as a chef at The Vault Soho, where I learned the art of creating amazing dishes and paying attention to detail. Over time, I discovered my love for writing and decided to share my knowledge and ideas with a wider audience. I often explore topics like gaming tips and trends in the casino industry. When I’m not writing, I love trying out the latest tech, spending time outdoors, and experiencing different cultures.
