Casinos have long been associated with glitz, glamour and exclusivity – but in 2023, they are more accessible to the masses than ever before. With dress codes relaxed, anyone over the legal age can enter a casino with only a few simple rules to be adhered to – and it’s left high-rollers and wealthy individuals feeling displaced from their former playgrounds of choice.
Increasingly, they’re seeking out the rare establishments that have retained the sense of exclusivity they were originally known for, with private members casinos enjoying renewed popularity amongst the rich and famous. At esteemed and intimate casinos such as these, getting dressed up to the nines, enjoying a spot of fine dining and indulging in some quiet games with other big spenders is the order of the day – and while a variety of new casinos in the UK are popping up each year, particularly in London itself, only a few of them can offer quite the level of opulence expected of customers and patrons like these.
Although once upon a time, private members’ clubs were the norm, it’s true that today, they are few and far between – which has only served to increase demand for those that do still exist and in doing so, their sense of exclusivity. Although no longer as elitist as they once were, they still offer some upscale dining experiences, high-end cocktail and champagne bars and, of course, impeccable service, as well as private gaming rooms and high-stakes tables that appeal to the more serious gamblers.
They might be more accessible than ever, but high membership costs have still kept the calibre and affluence of patrons high. These are three of the most luxurious remaining members’ casinos to check out in London this year if you’re looking for a memorable five-star experience.
Crockfords Casino, Mayfair
Exuding an air of elegance and sophistication from the moment you set foot inside, Crockfords is a popular haunt for the capital’s high-rollers, and although it now has an open-door policy, it does still have certain areas that are accessible only to members, including private rooms and high-stakes tables which are reserved only for the most serious of players.
This isn’t a club that does things by halves, and millions of pounds have been wagered on popular games like Poker, Blackjack and Roulette over the years. Some gamblers have been known to place as much as £75,000 for just one hand of cards, which is proof, if you needed it, that Crockfords is for players who are keen to go all in – which is why it’s frequented by rich and famous clientele with money to burn.
Crown London Aspinalls
Also in Mayfair and just a three-minute walk from the iconic and ultra-luxurious Dorchester hotel, Crown London Aspinalls is a high-end casino located in the former White Elephant Club, which was once the trendiest dining spot in the capital and a favourite celebrity haunt and is characterised by plush, country house-style interiors and a host of popular games and slots.
Acquired by John Aspinall in 1992, its existing sense of exclusivity made it the perfect place for a members-only casino, and elements from the famed eatery can still be seen throughout it today, in homage to its glamorous roots. Once independent, Aspinalls achieved real status when it became part of the Crown Resorts group, and since then, it has attracted high-rolling customers from across the globe.
Les Ambassadeurs, Mayfair
You’re probably noticing a pattern here, which is that all of the private members’ casinos featured so far are located in Mayfair. The area has made a name for itself as one of the most exclusive and highly sought-after addresses in the capital, so it’s perhaps unsurprising – and Les Ambassadeurs, which offers an upscale gambling experience to its patrons, is another example of the high calibre of venues that can be found here.
Open 24-hours a day, it boasts an impressive gaming set-up, which includes three exclusive private gaming rooms known as The Gold Room, The Marble Room and The Leopold Room, where guests can enjoy impeccable service from Les Ambassadeurs’ staff as they indulge in their favourite pastimes. The main gambling room has been in operation for more than 100 years, and has been known to attract celebrities and even royalty. Les Ambassadeurs is truly the epitome of opulence when it comes to private members casinos, so if you haven’t paid it a visit yet, then now is the time to do so.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
