The Empire Casino London: A Visitor’s Guide for 2025
Empire Casino Revealed
London’s offline gambling scene exudes glamour, with The Empire Casino standing tall in Leicester Square. Originally built in 1884 as a theater and transformed into a sprawling 55,000-square-foot casino in 2007 by Caesars Entertainment, this Vegas-style venue is London’s largest. Located just steps from Leicester Square Underground station, it attracts over a million visitors annually, supported by approximately 800 monthly searches. As of March 2025, The Empire has enhanced its Poker Room with exciting daily tournaments and upgraded its popular Icon Bar, maintaining its status as a West End hotspot. Its prime location, surrounded by cinemas and restaurants, makes it a nightlife essential for both locals and tourists, offering a perfect blend of historical charm and modern excitement.
Did you know? The Empire Casino occupies the former Empire Theatre, where Charlie Chaplin once performed. The building’s ornate Victorian architecture has been preserved in parts of the venue, allowing visitors to gamble surrounded by genuine London history. Also, its Poker Room has hosted several celebrities, including Hollywood actors and professional poker players, making it a potential spot for star-sighting while enjoying your game!
Empire Casino Offerings Explored
The Empire spans two floors of non-stop entertainment. The main gaming area features American Roulette, Blackjack, Punto Banco, and Three-Card Poker, with 50 table games and 127 slot machines, including progressive jackpots reaching up to £20,000. For poker enthusiasts, check out our guide to top city casinos to see how The Empire’s Poker Room compares to other venues. This standout space hosts daily tournaments attracting over 50 players and offers cash games with a unique rake-free hand (56 suited). Bars like the Icon (with its VIP balcony overlooking Leicester Square) and The Kings Sports Bar (showing sports 24/7 on giant screens) add to the experience, while the FuLuShou Asian restaurant serves delicious Malaysian lobster and Szechuan chili cod. Open 24/7 with free entry (ID required, smart-casual dress), The Empire welcomes everyone, with a Player Rewards program offering exclusive VIP perks.
Visitor Feedback Analyzed
We analyzed over 600 reviews from TripAdvisor (3.6/5) and Google Maps (3.9/5) from January 2024 to March 2025 for a balanced view of The Empire. Visitors love the atmosphere—”Vegas vibes in London,” raved a February 2025 TripAdvisor review. Friendly staff members, like Security Officer Amir, and the high-quality Poker Room receive consistent praise, with a Google Maps reviewer in December 2024 calling it “exceptionally well-run.” The central location and live entertainment also shine. On the downside, service can lag—”waited 45 minutes for a drink on a busy night,” noted a March 2025 TripAdvisor post. High drink prices (£15 cocktails) and occasional encounters with rude security frustrate some visitors, with one Google review mentioning “arrogant bouncers.” Overcrowding during peak times and rare claims about game fairness also appear. Despite these flaws, The Empire remains a top London gambling destination.
Plan Your Empire Night
The Empire offers a thrilling escape, perfect for serious gamblers and casual nightlife seekers alike. For the best experience, visit midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) to avoid the peak crowds and potential service delays. Remember to bring ID (a challenge 21 policy applies), dress smart-casual, and consider joining the Player Rewards program for exclusive benefits. In 2025, new poker events and enhanced bar offerings have increased the venue’s appeal—check their website for current schedules. Whether you’re trying your luck at the tables, sipping cocktails at Icon Bar, or watching sports at Kings, The Empire promises a memorable night out. For those who prefer online options, our top payout online casinos guide provides alternatives when you can’t visit in person.
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