The London Trocadero, a famous entertainment building near Piccadilly Circus, is about to get a big makeover. Genting Casinos UK Ltd. wants to open a two-storey casino and a new restaurant there. This building has seen a lot over the years. It has had its fair share of arcades, cinemas, SegaWorld in the 1990s, and even a hotel since 2020.
The new plan would replace the old Opium nightclub and the Bubba Gump restaurant. The casino could hold up to 1,250 visitors. Some people are excited about the idea, seeing it as a new spot for dining and leisure. Others worry it could make the area busier, noisier, and harder to navigate, especially during evenings when the West End is already crowded.
Gaming at the Trocadero: Live and Online
The new Trocadero casino will follow strict rules to keep everything safe and well-managed. Genting Casinos says the venue will not focus on alcohol and will be closely supervised. Visitors will find a mix of classic table games and modern electronic options, adding a fresh type of fun to the West End.
While the casino is all about visiting in person, it also shows how gaming has changed. Many people enjoy playing both at physical locations and online. The best online casinos let players try slot machines, card games, and digital blackjack from home. They also offer safe ways to put money in and take winnings out using cards, eWallets, cryptocurrencies, or mobile wallets, giving players more ways to play than a building can.
(Source: https://www.aboutcookies.org.uk/best-online-casinos)
Even so, many people love the energy of being at a historic spot like the Trocadero. Playing in a real, lively setting with other visitors is an experience that online games just cannot match.
A Peek Inside the New Trocadero
The casino will use the basement, part of the ground floor, and the first floor. Stairs and a lift will connect each level, making it easy for visitors to move around. The restaurant will have its own entrance so that diners can come and go without going through the casino.
New shopfronts along Rupert Street and double-glazed windows along Lyons Corner will give the building a fresh look while keeping the Trocadero’s historic Baroque style. Planning officers said that replacing the nightclub with a casino is unlikely to create major problems. Strict rules will control how the casino operates, including its hours, capacity, and the way staff manage visitors.
Voices from the Community
Some groups, such as the Soho Society, have raised concerns about the plans. They worry the new casino could make the area more crowded, louder, and messier. Pedestrian safety and keeping the streets clean are key points they mention.
Genting Casinos has responded by outlining plans to manage the venue carefully. Planning officers agreed that the nightclub that used to operate there already caused late-night activity. The new casino will be more controlled, providing a safer and structured environment while still entertaining.
A Look at the Building and Its People
The Trocadero has always been more than just a building. People come here to meet and to enjoy the atmosphere. Over the years, the building has hosted arcades, cinemas, and attractions like SegaWorld. Visitors from all over London have walked through its doors. Even today, it still draws many kinds of people, from tourists exploring the West End to locals meeting friends.
Inside, the building has changed to fit new uses, while the historic Baroque front remains. It reminds everyone of its long past. The mix of old and new spaces allows different groups to use the building at the same time. Some come to shop, others to eat, and many simply enjoy being in the lively surroundings. The Trocadero continues to be a busy spot where people gather in the heart of London.
The Road Ahead
Westminster City Council’s Planning Committee was scheduled to review the casino and restaurant plans on September 30. Their decision will decide whether the Trocadero continues to be one of the West End’s top entertainment destinations. With the combination of a carefully managed casino, a new restaurant, and a community centre, the building is set to offer a mix of leisure, dining, and cultural opportunities for visitors and residents alike.
