Casinos have always gone hand in hand with fashion. The classic image still leans towards tuxedos and evening gowns, but the reality today is far more varied.
London casino dress codes change dramatically from venue to venue. You might walk into one casino in jeans and trainers without any problem, then get turned away from another for not wearing a tie.
That’s why it pays to know the differences.
Below, we break down five popular London casinos and exactly what to wear at each in 2026.
Hippodrome: The Most Relaxed of the London Casino Dress Codes
The Hippodrome in Leicester Square sits firmly at the relaxed end of the scale. It has one of the most accessible dress codes in London.
The venue has no set dress code, and most guests choose smart casual. In practice, jeans and trainers are fine, so you’re very unlikely to have any problems at the door.
What to wear:
- Dark jeans or chinos
- A fitted shirt or knitwear
- Clean trainers or smart shoes
Aim for polished casual rather than too relaxed.
Grosvenor Casino
Grosvenor Casino has a smart-casual dress code, but it still leans towards the relaxed side.
Put simply, dress as you would for a night out at a good bar or restaurant. A few rules apply:
- Avoid scruffy or ripped jeans.
- Skip work clothes.
- Wear long trousers rather than shorts.
- Keep sportswear to a minimum, although team shirts are fine on match days.
The overall feel is about as relaxed as the Wimbledon dress code and similar occasions.
Grosvenor is also known for its regular poker nights, especially Texas Hold’em, the most popular type of poker. Poker players often dress more casually, and some even wear sunglasses at the table. Away from the poker room, though, the smart-casual standard still applies.
Genting Casino Stratford
Genting Casino Stratford, formerly Aspers, sits inside Westfield Stratford City and has the largest casino floor in the UK. You don’t need to be a member to visit, and the dress code is smart casual.
Smart jeans and smart trainers are fine. However, the casino doesn’t allow football shirts, vest tops, caps or hats. The hat rule is there so staff can see everyone clearly on CCTV.
The casino sits next to London Stadium, so there’s one extra rule. On West Ham home match days, you can’t wear the away team’s shirt inside.
What to wear: Smart jeans or chinos with a shirt, polo or smart top, plus clean trainers or shoes.
The Palm Beach
The Palm Beach in Mayfair is noticeably more refined. It sits in the former Art Deco ballroom of The May Fair Hotel, and the grand setting raises expectations.
The dress code is technically smart casual, but the standards feel higher:
- Men should wear collared shirts.
- Smart jeans are acceptable.
- Trainers are not permitted.
What to wear: Men can’t go wrong with a tailored shirt, a blazer and smart shoes. Women can choose a sleek dress or smart separates.
This is where smart casual starts to lean towards smart.
Les Ambassadeurs: The Strictest of the London Casino Dress Codes
Les Ambassadeurs is the pinnacle of London’s casino scene. Known worldwide for its exclusivity, it attracts celebrities, wealthy guests and even royalty.
Unsurprisingly, the dress code matches the setting. As our luxury casino outfit guide explains, expectations are firmly formal:
- Men: a suit and tie
- Women: dresses or evening gowns
Casual clothes simply don’t work here. Think classic, elegant and polished from head to toe.
London Casino Dress Codes: Final Thoughts
London’s casino scene reflects the city itself: diverse, dynamic and style-conscious.
Some venues welcome relaxed outfits, while others keep strict, traditional standards. So the right outfit can shape your whole night. For more ideas, see our guide on what to wear to a casino.
When in doubt, dress slightly more formally. You’ll feel more confident, and you’ll avoid any awkward moments at the door.
In a city where style speaks volumes, dressing well means you’ll stand out for the right reasons.
