For anyone in Thurrock who has ever fancied a flutter in a proper setting, the capital has long been the obvious choice. A short hop on the c2c or a quick drive through the Dartford Tunnel and you are in one of the world’s great cities. Now, new research confirms that London is not just convenient — it is officially the best casino destination in Europe.
A study by Gambling.com, which offers recommendations on casino sites such as Virgin Games, ranked the top-rated casino in each of Europe’s 10 most visited cities using Google Reviews. London came out on top, with the Grosvenor Casino in St Giles scoring an impressive 4.8 out of 5. Set in the heart of London’s theatreland, it offers American roulette, blackjack, three-card poker, Punto Banco and Shoot Dice across a plush gaming floor. For Thurrock residents, it is roughly 40 minutes away by train from Grays.
London Leads, Paris and Vienna Follow
The Grosvenor St Giles edged out the competition across all ten cities, with Paris finishing second. The Club Circus Paris, a chic venue with 31 poker and dealer tables, a restaurant and a bar, scored 4.5 and sits within walking distance of Parc des Princes and Roland-Garros. Vienna’s Casino Baden rounded out the top three with a score of 4.4. A historically protected building and one of the largest casinos in Europe, it has been drawing visitors for well over a century.
Madrid’s Casino Gran Via Poker Room came in fourth with 4.2, just ahead of Amsterdam’s Holland Casino at 4.1. The contrast between the two is notable: Madrid’s venue leans into classical grandeur, while Amsterdam’s is sleek and modern. Both cities are well-served by direct flights from London Southend Airport, which sits less than 20 miles from Thurrock.
Barcelona’s Casino Barcelona and Rome’s Slot Palace Le Palme Roma shared sixth place on 4.0. The lower end of the rankings featured Athens, Milan and Venice. The Regency Casino Mont Parnes in Athens and Milan’s Casino di Campione both scored 3.9, while Venice’s Casino di Venezia, one of the oldest gambling establishments in the world, came in last among the ten cities with 3.8.
A City Break with a Difference
The research was released ahead of National Wanna Get Away Day, an occasion that celebrates the freedom of travel. For many in Thurrock, that freedom starts at the front door. London Southend Airport connects the region to dozens of European destinations, and many of the cities on the list are reachable in under three hours.
For those who prefer to keep things closer to home, London remains the standout option. The capital’s casino scene has developed considerably in recent years, and the Grosvenor brand in particular has a strong presence across the city, from St Giles to Piccadilly to Leicester Square. The research found that casinos in London and Paris each welcomed over 20 million inbound tourists annually in the years before and after the pandemic.
What makes London’s position at the top of the table particularly notable is the range it offers. Venues cater to everyone from seasoned card players to first-timers looking for an evening out. That accessibility, combined with the quality of the gaming floor and the sheer variety of games available, is what drives the high review scores.
Planning a Visit
For Thurrock residents considering a trip, the logistics are straightforward. The c2c line runs directly from Grays and Tilbury Town into Fenchurch Street, with journey times of under an hour during off-peak hours. From there, the West End is a short underground or bus ride away.
According to VisitBritain, London remains one of the most visited cities in the world, and its entertainment offer, which includes theatre, restaurants, museums and now Europe’s top-rated casino, continues to draw visitors from across the globe. For those living on London’s eastern fringe, that level of access is something many other parts of the country would envy.
The full European ranking covers cities including Paris, Vienna, Madrid, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Rome, Athens, Milan and Venice. Each city was assessed on the rating of its highest-reviewed casino, giving a clear picture of where gamblers are having the best experiences across the continent. London, it turns out, is leading the way.
