In the heart of London’s Leicester Square, Empire Casino is the ultimate entertainment destination for over 18s. Open 24/7, Empire Casino has all the classic games: Poker, Roulette, Blackjack, Slots, and more, ensuring there is always something for beginners and pros alike. With world-class dealers, great bars, and a lively atmosphere, this is the place to be for a night to remember.
Poker has a long history dating back to the 10th century in China. Initially played with dominoes and cards in various forms it made its way to Europe and America, where it evolved into the game we know today. The earliest version was called “poque” in France and “pochen” in Germany, later becoming “poker” in the USA. Poker became popular in the USA in the early 19th century and has since become a global phenomenon with many variations and pro tournaments.
Empire Casino hosts some of the best poker tournaments London has to offer. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, there are numerous poker events in London for everyone. The poker room at Empire Casino is famous for its tournaments and cash games, making it a top destination for poker enthusiasts looking to play whilst in the capital.
Poker tournaments are structured competitions where players compete for a share of a set prize pool. Unlike cash games where chips have a monetary value, tournament chips are only for play and have no real cash value. Players play until one player has all the chips and prize payouts are awarded to the top finishers based on their position.
There are many types of poker tournaments to suit all tastes and skill levels. Here are some of the most popular:
Poker tournaments are popular for many reasons. They offer players a structured environment to play against a wide range of opponents. The tournament format adds a layer of strategy as players must adapt to changing stack sizes and increasing blinds. There is also the potential for big prize pools, especially in bigger tournaments which can be a huge attraction. The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, also known as the biggest poker tournament in the world has made millionaires out of its winners. Whilst not being the size of the WSOP, the Empire Casino London poker tournaments also feature big prize pools offering you the chance to win big. The social side of poker tournaments is a big part of their appeal. Players make friends throughout a tournament. Whether you are a beginner learning or an experienced player going for the top prize these tournaments in London are fun and rewarding.
Our poker tournaments are designed for players of all bankrolls, with buy-ins from £50 to £100. Prize pools vary depending on the number of players but there is always a big prize to be won.
Win an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2025 WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas with the Monthly Cash Race Tournament at Empire Casino. Here is how it works:
The 1st place winner of the Monthly Cash Race Tournament receives:
Terms and conditions apply to all promotions and tournaments. Please check with Empire Casino staff for more details and rules of participation and eligibility.
Join us at Empire Casino and compete for your chance to win big when it comes to poker games in London!
To play a tournament you need to understand the structure and rules. This guide will cover tournament formats, table setups, blinds and betting structures and payout structures.
Single-Elimination:
Participants play matches, with the loser immediately eliminated. The winner moves on to the next round until one champion is left. Fast and fun but one bad beat and you are out.
Double-Elimination:
Players get a second chance! They are only out after losing twice. This format is more forgiving and popular in competitive events.
Round Robin:
Each player plays against every other player. This format ensures everyone gets an equal amount of play and is common in team or league-style events.
Freezeout/Rebuy:
In freezeout tournaments, players are out when they lose all their chips. Rebuy tournaments allow players to buy more chips within a set time frame and recover from early losses. But rebuys can extend the overall tournament length.
Single-Table:
All players play at one table until the end of the tournament. This is simple and good for smaller events with fewer players.
Multi-Table:
Players are spread across multiple tables and move to a new table at set intervals, usually based on player count or eliminations. This is good for larger fields and a smoother flow of play as the tournament goes on.
All these tournaments have unlimited re-entries and late registration for the first 3 levels.
Empire Casino hosts several types of tournaments for different players and skill levels:
Respect and Fair Play:
Be nice to other players and staff. Harassment, abusive language, or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated, and you will be asked to leave the premises.
Honesty and Integrity:
Cheating, collusion or any other form of dishonesty is not allowed. If any player is found to be cheating, they will be subject to disciplinary action, including being banned from the casino and possible legal action.
Responsibility and Self-Control:
Players are responsible for their own actions and decisions. Excessive gambling can lead to personal and financial problems. Empire Casino promotes responsible gambling and has resources in place for players who need help.
Confidentiality:
Respecting other players’ privacy and confidentiality is essential. Sharing or soliciting personal information in the poker room is not allowed.
Tournament Rules:
All poker tournaments at Empire Casino follow the official casino rules which include specific rules on betting, raising and disputes. Players must read and understand these rules before playing.
Electronic Devices:
Mobile phones or other electronic devices are not allowed at the table. Players must ensure their devices are silent and not used to gain an unfair advantage during the game.
Language:
English is the language of the poker room. All communication at the table, including verbal declarations and betting terms must be in English to avoid confusion.
Seating and Table Balancing:
Players will be assigned seats at random and must sit in the allocated seat. The casino staff will manage the breaking and balancing of tables to ensure fair play and smooth tournament progression.
Time Limits and Clock:
A clock will be used to manage time during tournaments. Players must act within a reasonable time. If a player takes too long to decide a clock can be called by another player or the dealer.
Dress Code:
Empire Casino has a smart casual dress code. Players must dress smart, avoiding flip-flops, tank tops or clothing with offensive language or imagery.
Table Etiquette:
Proper etiquette is key to a good gaming experience. This includes:
Handling Chips and Cards:
Players must handle chips and cards with care and not do anything that could be seen as cheating or collusion. Clear and obvious gestures must be used to show intentions during play.
By following these rules and maintaining a high standard of conduct, players contribute to a fair, enjoyable, and professional environment at Empire Casino. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, understanding and respecting guidelines will improve your overall poker experience.
Blinds:
In games like Texas Hold'em blinds are mandatory bets posted by the first two players to the left of the dealer button. These forced bets kick off the action and grow the pot throughout the tournament. The blind structure includes the starting blinds, blind increases (usually doubling at set intervals) and the time between these increases. For example, a tournament might start at 25/50 and double every 15 minutes.
Betting Structure:
The betting structure defines what you can bet after the blinds are posted. Here are some common variations:
Percentage Payouts:
The prize pool is split among the top finishers. A typical structure would be 40% to the winner, 30% to the runner up and so on.
Place Finishes:
The number of paid places is determined by the number of players and the tournament director’s discretion. For example, a big tournament might only pay out to the top 10% of finishers, while a smaller tournament might pay out to a higher percentage of players.
Starting Chips:
Each player gets a set amount of chips (e.g. 10,000) at the start of the tournament. This is their starting stack and determines the length of the tournament.
Re-Buys/Add-Ons (if applicable):
Some tournaments allow players to rebuy chips or add to their stack during a designated period (often during the early stages). Be sure to read the rules and limitations before using them.
Time Limits:
There might be time limits for making decisions or completing rounds to keep the game moving and give everyone a fair shot.
Tournament Clock:
A clock may be used to keep track of time in each round and blind levels. This helps players manage their time and make informed decisions.
Breaks and Schedule:
Break times and the overall schedule is provided so players can plan their bathroom breaks or meals.
Now you know the basics. Whether it is a local tournament or a major international event, know the format, table structure, blinds, betting and payout structure and you will be ready to play.
Empire Casino in London’s Leicester Square holds an amazing poker room with a lot of history and a varied tournament schedule. From Texas Hold’em to Omaha and bounty tournaments, there is something for every poker player. Tournaments run daily so whether you are a beginner or a pro, you can play for big prize pools. Knowing the structure and rules of the tournaments and the poker room’s rules of conduct will make for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
For new players, playing tight and aggressive, understanding position and bankroll management are key. Do not play too many hands, do not chase draws and use resources like books, online courses, and practice games to improve your game.
Come and join us at Empire Casino where poker in London is always in your grasp and every tournament is a chance to win big and meet new people. Novice or pro, Empire Casino is the poker room for you.
We are committed to creating a culture of Safer Gambling within our casinos. We have appointed Safer Gambling Ambassadors across all our sites, in order to protect young and vulnerable people from being exploited by gambling, prevent underage gambling and increase support for the treatment of gambling harm.
