Tucked beneath the iconic Ritz Hotel in London’s Mayfair district, The Ritz Club stands as a discreet, members-only casino, a bastion of British elegance that has captivated high rollers since its opening in 1978 under the Ritz Hotel’s stewardship. Housed in the former ballroom of the hotel, this exclusive retreat spans a modest yet opulent gaming floor with 12 table games, but it’s the private gaming rooms and stakes reaching into the millions of GBP that elevate it into a magnet for the world’s wealthiest gamblers. With its gilded ceilings, velvet drapes, and a strict dress code of jackets and ties, The Ritz Club attracts an elite clientele—European aristocrats, Middle Eastern sheikhs, and global tycoons—who value tradition and privacy over the brash spectacle of Las Vegas. Offering no slot machines but a curated selection of high-stakes roulette, baccarat, and blackjack, the casino blends understated luxury with a secretive allure, complemented by the Ritz Hotel’s Michelin-starred dining and palatial suites above. For high rollers seeking a refined escape, The Ritz Club delivers a British high-stakes experience where exclusivity and elegance reign supreme, a hidden gem beneath London’s most prestigious address.
British Elegance and Discreet Charm
The Ritz Club enchants from the moment one descends its discreet staircase beneath The Ritz Hotel, revealing a world of British elegance that feels like stepping into a Victorian gentleman’s club. The casino’s exterior is unmarked, preserving its secretive charm, while the interior dazzles with ornate chandeliers, hand-painted frescoes, and mahogany paneling that evoke the grandeur of a bygone era. For high rollers, this understated opulence isn’t mere décor—it’s a hallmark of exclusivity, a refined setting that enhances the gravitas of their wagers. Located in Mayfair, London’s enclave of wealth and tradition, the casino benefits from its proximity to Piccadilly’s luxury boutiques and St. James’s private clubs, creating an ecosystem of aristocratic leisure. The absence of slot machines reinforces its focus on high-stakes table games, while the strict dress code—jackets and ties mandatory—upholds a formal ambiance that resonates with players who prize heritage over modernity. This British elegance and discreet charm offer high rollers a sanctuary where massive bets meet meticulous tradition, setting The Ritz Club apart as a haven of sophistication in the heart of London.
Private Gaming Rooms: High-Stakes Exclusivity
At the core of The Ritz Club’s high-roller appeal lie its private gaming rooms, intimate salons where stakes can soar into the millions of GBP, offering an unrivaled level of exclusivity and privacy. Accessible only to members and their approved guests, these rooms—such as the Amber Room and the Blue Room—feature just 12 tables total, focusing on high-stakes roulette, baccarat, and blackjack, with minimum bets starting at £100 but often escalating to six- or seven-figure sums in private sessions. The décor is a study in luxury: plush velvet upholstery, gilded moldings, and soft lighting create a club-like atmosphere, while soundproof walls and discreet entrances ensure total seclusion for the ultra-wealthy—think Russian oligarchs, Asian billionaires, and British peers. Personal croupiers and hosts provide impeccable service, serving vintage champagnes, single malts, or tea from The Ritz’s famed afternoon service, allowing uninterrupted play during sessions that can stretch into the early hours. Membership requires a rigorous vetting process and a play history of £250,000 or more, making these rooms a coveted domain for the world’s richest gamblers. The private gaming rooms offer high rollers a high-stakes retreat where British tradition meets secretive indulgence, a hallmark of The Ritz Club’s elite allure.
Private Room Highlights
- Stakes up to millions of GBP
- Gilded décor with velvet upholstery
- Personal croupiers with vintage champagnes
- Members-only access for exclusivity
| Private Room Feature | Description | High Roller Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Massive Stakes | Bets reaching £1M+ | Thrill of huge wins |
| Elegant Décor | Gilded moldings and plush velvet | British luxury |
| Exclusive Service | Hosts with single malts | Tailored indulgence |
Ritz Hotel Suites and Gourmet Dining
The Ritz Club extends its luxury beyond gaming, enveloping high rollers in a world of palatial accommodations and culinary mastery that complements its high-stakes exclusivity with the prestige of The Ritz Hotel above. The hotel’s 136 rooms include suites like the Prince of Wales Suite—over 1,200 square feet with Louis XVI furnishings, private terraces, and 24/7 butler service—often reserved for top casino members, offering views of Green Park and Piccadilly’s elegance. The Green Park Suite, with its pastel tones and marble baths, caters to a wealthy elite who value tradition. Dining is a pinnacle of indulgence, with The Ritz Restaurant, a Michelin-starred gem, serving British classics like Dover sole and afternoon tea in a gilded dining room, with private options available for gaming room VIPs. The Palm Court, famed for its tea service, and Rivoli Bar, with its Art Deco flair, add variety, while the casino itself offers bespoke meals delivered to the tables, ensuring uninterrupted play. This seamless integration of Ritz Hotel suites and gourmet dining caters to high rollers who demand a lifestyle as grand as their bets, making The Ritz Club a holistic retreat where every detail radiates British sophistication.
Top Amenities for High Rollers
| Amenity | Description | High Roller Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Prince of Wales Suite | 1,200+ sq ft with private terrace | Ultimate luxury and privacy |
| Ritz Restaurant | Michelin-starred British cuisine | Gourmet exclusivity |
| Butler Service | 24/7 personalized attention | Seamless comfort |
Mayfair Prestige and British Tradition
The Ritz Club’s allure is inseparable from its location beneath The Ritz Hotel in Mayfair, a district that amplifies its appeal with a legacy of British tradition and aristocratic prestige that resonates with high rollers. Known as London’s most exclusive neighborhood, Mayfair surrounds the casino with Georgian townhouses, luxury retailers like Savile Row tailors, and private members’ clubs like Annabel’s, creating a social scene where the elite can mingle over cigars and champagne. The nearby Royal Academy of Arts and Hyde Park offer cultural enrichment, while Green Park’s serene lawns provide a tranquil escape just steps away. The Ritz Hotel’s history—hosting royalty and luminaries like Churchill—adds a layer of gravitas, appealing to wealthy players who value heritage over flash. The casino’s discreet, members-only status aligns with Mayfair’s understated wealth, offering a level of privacy rare in modern gaming hubs. This Mayfair prestige and British tradition elevate the gambling experience, providing high rollers a chance to immerse in a refined legacy that few destinations can match, a perfect complement to The Ritz Club’s high-stakes elegance.
Mayfair Highlights
- Proximity to Savile Row tailors
- Royal Academy of Arts exhibits
- Hyde Park and Green Park access
- Exclusive private clubs like Annabel’s
The Ritz Club beneath The Ritz Hotel in London endures as a timeless high-roller enclave, a discreet sanctuary where private gaming rooms and stakes in the millions meet the pinnacle of British elegance, captivating an elite who cherish exclusivity and tradition. Its gilded salons offer a refined space for massive bets, while the Prince of Wales Suite, Michelin-starred dining, and Mayfair’s aristocratic charm envelop players in sophistication. The absence of slots and focus on curated tables, paired with a members-only ethos, ensure a private, prestigious experience. For high rollers, it’s more than a casino—it’s a hidden retreat where every wager is framed by heritage and luxury, where secrecy meets splendor in a British embrace. The Ritz Club proves that high-stakes gaming can thrive in a setting of understated opulence, drawing the world’s wealthiest to its Mayfair halls with an allure that’s both timeless and uniquely London.