First visit
British casinos are more approachable than the films suggest. Here is what to know before a first visit, with the rules of the three operators in this guide side by side.
Entry rules by operator
| Grosvenor | Genting | The Hippodrome | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Membership | No membership needed. Bring valid photo ID; you are signed in on your first visit. | Open-door casinos need no membership; some Genting casinos ask you to register with photo ID. Carrying ID is advised at every venue. | Walk-in venue: over-18s only; bring photo ID if you look under 25. |
| Age and ID | 18+ only. Think 25: if you look under 25 you will be asked for photo ID. A passport or driving licence is accepted. | 18+ only. Challenge 25: anyone who appears under 25 must show valid photo ID. | Over 18s only. If you look under 25 you must bring photo ID. |
| Dress code | Smart casual. Long trousers are preferred to shorts; team shirts are fine on match days. Requirements can vary by casino or event. | Smart casual. Smart jeans and smart trainers are fine; football shirts, muscle or vest tops are not. No caps or other hats, so faces are visible on CCTV. | No set dress code; most guests choose smart casual. |
| Booking | No booking needed to visit. Restaurants, events and larger groups may need a reservation. | No booking needed to visit. Booths, bars and packages can be booked on the venue page. | Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except Christmas Day. |
At the tables
Every Grosvenor table shows its minimum bet on a sign. Staff will explain how the games work, so no experience is needed. You do not have to play at all: many venues can be visited for the restaurant, the bar and live sport.
Payments
Since 14 April 2020 credit cards cannot be used to gamble in Great Britain, online or in land-based venues (Gambling Commission — gambling on credit cards banned from April 2020). Operators do not publish which payment methods their cash desks take, so ask the venue before you travel. Each venue page notes where a cash machine is listed.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed inside The Hippodrome; smokers use its outdoor terrace, which spans three floors. Other venues list smoking areas or terraces among their facilities, shown on each casino page.
Before you leave home
- Decide what you can afford to spend, and leave your debit card at home if that helps you stick to it.
- Plan the way back: every venue page shows the nearest station and the hotels within walking distance.
- If gambling stops being fun, SENSE lets you exclude yourself from every licensed land-based casino in Great Britain with one application (Betting and Gaming Council — SENSE self-exclusion).
Sources: Grosvenor Casinos — local casinos FAQ · Grosvenor Casinos — frequently asked questions · Grosvenor Casinos — your first visit · Genting Casinos — find a casino · Genting Casinos — frequently asked questions · The Hippodrome Casino — general information · The Hippodrome Casino — directions & maps. Checked 2026-09-18.