Baroness Twycross, the UK Minister for Gambling, recently visited the renowned Hippodrome Casino to gain insight into the UK’s casino sector. The visit coincides with the venue’s 125th anniversary, a milestone marking its long-standing role in London’s entertainment industry. Originally opening in January 1900 with a performance featuring Charlie Chaplin, the Hippodrome has continuously evolved, showcasing some of the West End’s most daring and innovative productions. Today, it remains a cornerstone of London’s nightlife in its current form as the iconic Hippodrome Casino.
A key topic of discussion during the visit was the long-awaited modernisation reforms outlined in the government’s White Paper. These proposed changes focus on updating regulations around payment methods, gaming machine allocations, and the introduction of sports betting in all casinos. Casino journalist Casey Anchor notes that the issue of no KYC casinos is also part of the focus. These casinos don’t implement the “Know Your Customer” processes to verify player identities. This provides more privacy for players, but it also leaves the casinos vulnerable to fraud, and is a slightly riskier proposition for players. Such reforms are seen as crucial for the sector, enabling it to better cater to evolving consumer demands while fostering growth, investment and player safety.
During her visit, Baroness Twycross was accompanied by Hippodrome Executive Chairman Simon Thomas and Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) CEO Grainne Hurst. The tour provided an opportunity to explore the casino, engage with staff, and better understand the role of land-based gaming establishments within the wider leisure and tourism industry. The UK casino sector, which employs over 10,000 people and welcomes more than 13 million customer visits annually, makes a significant economic contribution—generating approximately £800 million each year and providing £300 million in tax revenue.
BGC CEO Grainne Hurst emphasised the significance of the visit, highlighting the opportunity it provided to showcase the vibrancy and importance of the land-based casino industry. She noted that the Hippodrome, located in the heart of London, has been captivating audiences for over a century, offering top-tier dining, spectacular live entertainment, and a premier gaming experience. Hurst also underlined the importance of the proposed reforms, explaining that they would allow UK casinos to expand, innovate, and contribute further to local economies. She stressed that the modernisation measures would unlock substantial investment across the country, reinforcing the government’s broader economic ambitions.
Simon Thomas, Executive Chairman of the Hippodrome Online Casino, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in welcoming the Gambling Minister to the venue. He reflected on the casino’s rich history and its continued success in attracting visitors from around the world. According to Thomas, casinos are now firmly established as a key component of the UK’s night-time entertainment scene. He pointed out that with balanced and well-structured legislation, the industry can continue to thrive, providing world-class experiences while driving economic growth.
The visit served as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of government support in ensuring that the UK’s land-based casino sector remains competitive on a global scale. Industry leaders remain hopeful that the proposed reforms will soon be implemented, paving the way for continued innovation and investment.
The Hippodrome Casino officially reopened on 13 July 2012, with then-Mayor of London Boris Johnson officiating the ceremony. The renovated venue featured four floors of gaming, including a Gold Room casino located in the original basement, which provided direct access to Chinatown. The establishment also introduced the Heliot restaurant, six bars, a smoking terrace, and the Matcham Room cabaret theatre, named in honour of the building’s original architect. This blend of historical charm and contemporary luxury positioned the Hippodrome as a unique destination in London’s entertainment scene.
Further enhancing its offerings, the Hippodrome partnered with PokerStars, the world’s largest online poker platform, to launch PokerStars LIVE in March 2013. This collaboration brought a dedicated poker room to the venue, attracting both amateur and professional players. Initially located on the fourth floor, PokerStars LIVE was relocated to the third floor in 2020, reflecting the casino’s ongoing efforts to optimise and innovate its gaming spaces.
The casino’s commitment to excellence was quickly recognised within the industry. In January 2013, the Hippodrome Casino was awarded Best Land-based Casino at the Totally Gaming Awards. Additionally, Jimmy Thomas received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the gaming and entertainment industries, highlighting the impact of the Thomas family’s vision and dedication.
From its early days as a circus variety theatre to its current incarnation as a multifaceted casino and performance space, the Hippodrome has consistently evolved to meet the changing demands of its audience. As the Hippodrome Casino commemorates this milestone, it continues to play a vital role in London’s West End. Its blend of historical significance and modern amenities ensures that it remains a premier destination for both locals and tourists. The venue’s ability to honour its past while embracing the future exemplifies the dynamic nature of London’s cultural and entertainment landscape.
