The Empire Casino in Leicester Square is widely considered London’s most prominent Las Vegas-style gaming venue, offering a vibrant mix of casino entertainment, multiple dining options, and a prime central location.
Open 24/7, the Empire combines scale and variety with accessibility, making it a magnet for tourists, poker players, and late-night revellers alike.
Below, I’ll explore every notable aspect of what the Empire Casino offers in 2025—examining facilities, gaming, service, atmosphere, dining, and overall value.
Location and First Impressions
Occupying a prominent spot in Leicester Square, the Empire is extremely easy to reach via London’s Tube network—just a three-minute walk from Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus stations.
Its imposing modern facade hides a fascinating history (originally a ballroom, then a theatre), while inside, the décor is sleek and contemporary, though some reviewers find it a little cold compared to casinos with more character.
The venue’s footprint spans 55,000 square feet, making it the largest casino in London. The layout is intuitive, with table games on the ground floor and slots upstairs—a setup that keeps things lively and makes for a seamless flow of guests.
Gaming Options and Experience
The Empire prides itself on delivering authentic Vegas-style gaming, with a massive range that includes:
- Over 100 slot machines, including progressive jackpots up to £20,000, plus high-limit VIP options and oversized modern screens.
- 87+ electronic roulette machines, as well as traditional American roulette, blackjack, Three Card Poker, Punto Banco, and Pai Gow tiles. There is no baccarat table, which may disappoint some fans.
- A renowned poker room, hosting daily Texas Hold’em and Omaha tournaments, with buy-ins from £1/£2 to £2/5, nine to twelve tables in use, and lively action that attracts both seasoned players and celebrity guests. The rake is in line with London norms at 5–7%, with a daily tournament roster and attentive staff.
- VIP spaces like the Dragon Lounge deliver exclusive gaming for high rollers, reflecting the Empire’s intent to cater to all stakes and experiences.
Atmosphere, Accessibility, and Customer Service
The casino’s open-door approach sets it apart: no membership is required for entry—visitors over 18 simply walk in with ID, a rare convenience among London’s casinos.
This policy, alongside round-the-clock opening hours, serves both spontaneous visitors and committed players.
The atmosphere is energetic, even frenetic at times, especially late nights and weekends; and with four bars, including the lively Shadow Bar and the exclusive Icon Balcony Bar above Leicester Square, there’s a party mood whenever you visit.
The venue enforces a smart-casual dress code (no sportswear, hoodies or trainers), but most guests find staff are polite, helpful, and efficient.
The casino is wheelchair accessible and provides thoughtful amenities such as accessible restrooms and staff assistance at gaming tables.
However, some guests have reported negative experiences with security or certain staff members, suggesting the service can be inconsistent, especially on busy nights.
Dining and Entertainment
The Empire distinguishes itself with its diverse food and drink offering:
- FuLuShou Asian restaurant serves up high-quality dishes prepared by experienced chefs, creating an oasis away from gaming floor bustle.
- The Grille at Flame and other dining spots ensure a range of choice for both casual and more substantial meals.
- Empire’s bars—Carlsberg for sports, Shadow for nightlife, and balcony views from Icon—round out the food and drink experience.
- Themed entertainment includes live performances and regular slots tournaments (with jackpots up to £10,000), plus unique offerings like cigar and rum tastings.
These social spaces are popular for group nights out or casual post-theatre gatherings, with late bar closing at 6am.
Player Rewards and Value
The Empire’s free Player Rewards programme allows guests to earn loyalty points usable for gifts, experiences (like trips to Las Vegas), and discounts, adding clear value for regular visitors.
Players can also collect Met Card points via affiliated casinos in the Metropolitan Gaming group, both at the Empire and online.
Room for Improvement and Downsides
No review would be complete without acknowledging the Empire’s issues:
- The casino’s bright modernity can feel impersonal to those used to cozier or more historic venues.
- Reports of inconsistent staff treatment surface in several user reviews, from rude doormen to disputes over winnings and sporadic customer service lapses—usually on the busiest nights.
- Crowds and the open-door policy sometimes mean a mixed clientele, which can impact ambiance, particularly late at night or on weekends.
- While gaming variety is strong, high-limit baccarat is missing, and high-stakes blackjack players should check table rules carefully as some tables may use less player-friendly dealer actions.
- There is no on-site accommodation, though many hotels are nearby.
Final Verdict: Empire Casino in 2025
In 2025, the Empire Casino remains London’s most complete all-round casino experience, combining scale, variety, and accessibility in a central, high-energy environment.
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The poker room is a major draw, slots selection is strong, and the player rewards system gives good value for regulars. For casual visitors, the lively bars, round-the-clock action, and location right at the heart of Leicester Square make it a top pick.
While service inconsistencies and the fast-paced crowd may not suit everyone, the Empire’s breadth of games, dining quality, and lack of membership requirements make it the most approachable major casino in London.
