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What Is the Hippodrome Casino?

The Hippodrome Casino is a large-scale, multi-floor entertainment complex situated on Cranbourn Street, just steps away from Leicester Square. It combines a fully licensed London casino with bars, restaurants, a theatre, and event spaces. Operated by the Hippodrome Casino Ltd and holding a full UK Gambling Commission licence, the venue welcomes thousands of visitors every week and is widely regarded as one of the biggest and most impressive casinos in the entire country.

A Brief History of the Hippodrome Building

The story of the Hippodrome building dates back to 1900, when it was designed by the legendary theatre architect Frank Matcham. Originally commissioned by Edward Moss, the venue opened as the Hippodrome Theatre — a spectacular performance hall that hosted circuses, variety shows, and even aquatic displays in a 100,000-gallon water tank built into the stage. Over the following decades, the building evolved through several incarnations:

• 1900–1909:
  Operated as a variety theatre and circus venue with elaborate stage machinery.
• 1909–1958:
  Converted into a traditional West End theatre, staging musicals, revues, and plays.
• 1958–2009:
  Transformed into "The Talk of the Town" cabaret venue and later a nightclub called "The London Hippodrome."
• 2009–2012:
  Underwent a £40 million restoration and conversion led by entrepreneur Jimmy Thomas.
• 2012–present:
  Reopened as the Hippodrome Casino, blending heritage architecture with modern gaming facilities.

The restoration preserved many of the building's original Edwardian features, including ornate plasterwork, the grand staircase, and the iconic domed ceiling. Today, visitors can admire over a century of theatrical history while enjoying a thoroughly modern casino experience.

The Hippodrome Casino Today – What to Expect

Walking through the doors of the Hippodrome Leicester Square in 2025, you will find a venue spread across multiple levels, each offering something different. The ground floor features a bustling bar and reception area, while the upper and lower floors house different gaming sections, private rooms, a dedicated poker room, and a fully equipped theatre. The atmosphere strikes a balance between glamorous and accessible — there is no stuffy exclusivity here. Entry is free of charge, and the venue actively welcomes first-time visitors alongside regular members and high rollers. Whether you want to play roulette, catch a magic show, or simply enjoy a cocktail in a stunning setting, the Hippodrome has it all under one remarkable roof.

Hippodrome Casino Location and How to Get There

One of the biggest advantages of the Hippodrome Casino is its unbeatable central London location. Nestled in the entertainment heart of the capital, the venue is easy to reach by virtually any mode of transport. Whether you are travelling from another part of London or arriving from further afield, getting to this West End casino could not be simpler. Head to create your account to get started and unlock your welcome bonus.

Address and Nearest Tube Stations

The full address is Hippodrome Casino, Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, London WC2H 7JH. The venue sits on the corner of Cranbourn Street and Charing Cross Road, directly overlooking Leicester Square. The nearest Underground stations are:

Leicester Square station is literally around the corner, making the Hippodrome Casino one of the most conveniently located casinos in the UK.

Parking and Transport Options in Leicester Square

Driving into central London is possible, though it is rarely the most convenient option due to the Congestion Charge zone and limited parking. The nearest public car parks include Q-Park Leicester Square on Whitcomb Street and NCP Chinatown on Newport Place. Both are within a five-minute walk. Alternatively, numerous bus routes pass through the area, and the night bus network ensures easy journeys home in the early hours. Black cabs and ride-hailing services are always available on surrounding streets, and multiple Santander Cycles docking stations can be found nearby for those who prefer to pedal.

Hippodrome Casino Opening Hours and Entry Requirements

Understanding the Hippodrome opening times and entry policies before you visit will help you plan the perfect trip. The venue operates long hours to accommodate everyone from afternoon visitors to late-night players.

Daily Opening Times and Peak Hours

The Hippodrome Casino is open seven days a week. As of 2025, the general opening hours are from midday until the early hours of the morning, with the casino floor typically running from around 12:00 PM through to 6:00 AM. Specific areas such as bars, restaurants, and the theatre may have slightly different schedules depending on the day and event programming. Peak hours tend to fall on Friday and Saturday evenings from approximately 9:00 PM onwards, when the venue buzzes with a mix of tourists, theatre-goers, and dedicated players. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, weekday afternoons or early evenings are your best bet.

Dress Code and Age Verification Policy

The casino dress code London visitors should be aware of at the Hippodrome is best described as smart casual. You do not need a suit and tie, but sportswear, flip-flops, and excessively casual attire may result in refusal at the door. A neat pair of jeans with a collared shirt or a casual dress is perfectly acceptable. Key entry requirements include:

• at least 18 years old
  to enter the casino floors.
• Valid photo ID is required — a passport, UK driving licence, or national ID card is accepted.
• Entry is free; there is no cover charge or membership requirement to access the main gaming floors.
• Management reserves the right to refuse entry at their discretion.

First-time visitors will need to register at the front desk, which takes only a few minutes. Once registered, subsequent visits are quick and seamless.

Games and Gaming Floors at the Hippodrome Casino

The gaming offering at the Hippodrome Casino is extensive, catering to beginners and experienced players alike. Spread across several floors, you will find a wide selection of casino games London enthusiasts love, all operated under strict UKGC regulations to ensure fair play and responsible gambling. You can review the latest promotions to compare the current welcome package and ongoing rewards.

Table Games: Roulette, Blackjack, Poker and More

Table games form the core of the Hippodrome experience. The main gaming floor features dozens of tables offering classic and contemporary variations. If you enjoy roulette blackjack London-style, you will be spoiled for choice. The main table games available include:

• Roulette
  European Roulette is the standard, with minimum bets varying by table and time of day.
• Blackjack
  Multiple tables with varying stakes, from beginner-friendly minimums to high-roller limits.
• Baccarat
  Punto Banco is the most common variant offered.
• Three Card Poker
  A fast-paced alternative to traditional poker.
• Casino Hold'em
  Play against the dealer rather than other players.
• Big Wheel / Wheel of Fortune
  A fun, easy-to-learn game popular with newcomers.

Minimum stakes on the main floor start from as little as £5 on many tables during off-peak hours, making the Hippodrome Casino genuinely accessible to casual players. Higher-limit tables and private gaming salons are available for those who prefer more substantial wagers.

Slot Machines and Electronic Gaming

In addition to table games, the Hippodrome offers a sizeable collection of slot machines and electronic gaming terminals. The selection includes classic three-reel slots, modern video slots with progressive jackpots, and electronic roulette and blackjack terminals. These electronic options are ideal for players who want to enjoy casino games at their own pace without the social pressure of a live table. Jackpot amounts on some progressive machines can reach significant sums, adding an extra layer of excitement. The electronic gaming area is typically located on a dedicated section of the casino floor, clearly signposted and easy to find.

Poker Room and Tournament Schedule

The Hippodrome poker room is one of the most popular in all of London, attracting players of every skill level. Running cash games daily and tournaments throughout the week, it has become a genuine hub for the UK poker community. Cash games typically feature Texas Hold'em in both No-Limit and Pot-Limit Omaha formats, with buy-ins starting at accessible levels. The tournament schedule includes daily events, weekly features, and major festival series that draw international fields. The poker room is situated on its own dedicated floor, creating a focused atmosphere separate from the main casino bustle. Dealers are professional and friendly, and the management team is known for running well-organised events with competitive structures.

Dining, Bars and Entertainment

The Hippodrome Casino is far more than a gambling venue — it is a complete entertainment destination. The dining and live casino entertainment options alone are reason enough to visit, even if you have no intention of placing a single bet.

Restaurants and Bars Inside the Hippodrome

The venue houses several distinct bars and dining options spread across its floors. The Heliot Steak House, situated on the mezzanine level overlooking the main floor, is the headline restaurant offering premium steaks, seafood, and an extensive wine list in a dramatic setting. For more casual bites, the ground-floor bar area serves cocktails and lighter fare throughout the day and night. Additional bars on the upper levels provide VIP-style service with craft cocktails, champagne, and premium spirits. Whether you are looking for a pre-show dinner, a post-game celebration, or a late-night drink, the Hippodrome has an option to suit. The quality of food and drink here is genuinely impressive for a casino venue and stands up well against dedicated West End restaurants.

Live Shows, Events and Cabaret Nights

The Hippodrome's theatrical heritage lives on through a packed programme of live entertainment. The in-house theatre — the Matcham Room, named after the building's original architect — hosts a rotating schedule of magic shows, cabaret performances, comedy nights, and musical acts. Some of these shows are ticketed, while others are included as part of the general casino experience. Seasonal events, New Year's Eve galas, and special themed nights add variety to the calendar. The venue also hosts private events and corporate functions, taking full advantage of its unique spaces. For the latest listings and ticket information, the Hippodrome website and social media channels are the best sources.

Hippodrome Casino Online – Playing from Home

For those who cannot make it to Leicester Square in person, the Hippodrome online casino brings a taste of the venue directly to your screen. The online platform extends the brand's reach beyond the physical walls, offering UK players a legal and regulated way to enjoy casino games from home. Prefer playing on mobile? Grab hippodrome casino mobile app for the full experience on the go.

Hippodrome Online Casino Platform Overview

The Hippodrome online casino is a UKGC licensed casino, meaning it operates under the strict regulations of the UK Gambling Commission. This ensures player protection, fair gaming, secure transactions, and responsible gambling tools. The platform offers a comprehensive library of games including online slots, live dealer table games, video poker, and virtual sports. Live dealer games are a particular highlight, streaming real-time action from professional studios to recreate the atmosphere of playing at a physical table. The website is fully optimised for desktop and mobile browsers, so you can play on smartphones and tablets without needing to download a dedicated app. Payment methods include debit cards, PayPal, and other popular UK e-wallets, with withdrawals processed efficiently.

Welcome Bonuses and Promotions for UK Players

New players registering at the Hippodrome online casino can typically access a welcome bonus package. Promotions vary throughout the year, but common offers include deposit match bonuses, free spins on selected slots, and cashback deals. It is always worth checking the promotions page directly before signing up, as terms and conditions — including wagering requirements and minimum deposit thresholds — apply to all offers. Existing players benefit from ongoing promotions, loyalty points, and seasonal campaigns. As with all UK casino promotions, these are subject to UKGC advertising standards, ensuring transparency and fairness.

Hippodrome Casino Membership and VIP Programme

While entry to the Hippodrome Casino is free and open to the public, a dedicated casino membership UK programme and tiered VIP scheme reward regular visitors with exclusive benefits and privileges. Whether you visit once a month or several times a week, joining the membership programme is well worth considering.

How to Join and Membership Benefits

Signing up for Hippodrome membership is straightforward and can be completed at the venue's reception desk or, in some cases, online. Basic membership is free and provides immediate benefits including:

1. A personalised membership card for easy entry and play tracking.
2. Accumulation of loyalty points every time you play on tables or slots.
3. Access to members-only promotions, prize draws, and special event invitations.
4. Discounts at selected bars and restaurants within the venue.
5. Priority booking for theatre shows and live entertainment events.
6. Regular email updates with exclusive offers and news.

Points earned through play can typically be redeemed for complimentary food, drinks, and other rewards. The system is designed to recognise and thank loyal customers, adding genuine value to every visit.

VIP Tiers, Rewards and Exclusive Perks

Beyond the standard membership, the Hippodrome VIP programme elevates the experience for high-value players. The VIP tiers offer progressively more generous benefits, including dedicated account managers, invitations to private gaming salons, complimentary hospitality, bespoke event experiences, and enhanced reward rates. VIP status is typically earned through sustained play over time, and the exact thresholds are managed by the casino's VIP team on a case-by-case basis. High rollers may also gain access to exclusive tables with higher limits, private rooms away from the main floor, and personalised service that rivals the finest members' clubs in London. The Hippodrome's VIP programme is competitive with those offered by other premium UK casino venues, ensuring that the most dedicated players feel truly valued.

How the Hippodrome Compares to Other London Casinos

London is home to a remarkable array of casinos, from intimate private clubs to large-scale commercial venues. Understanding where the Hippodrome fits within this landscape can help you decide whether it is the right choice for your next night out — or whether you might want to explore alternatives as well.

Hippodrome vs The Ritz Club and Other Top Venues

The London casino scene is diverse, and each venue has its own personality. The Hippodrome Casino distinguishes itself through its combination of scale, accessibility, and entertainment variety. Unlike members-only establishments such as The Ritz Club or Crockfords, the Hippodrome is open to the general public with no advance membership required. This makes it particularly appealing to tourists, casual players, and anyone seeking a spontaneous night out. In terms of sheer size, the Hippodrome is one of the largest casinos in the capital, with more gaming tables and a bigger entertainment programme than most competitors. Its central Leicester Square location is also hard to beat — most other major London casinos are clustered around Mayfair, which, while prestigious, is slightly less accessible for the average visitor.

Compared to other publicly accessible venues like Grosvenor Casino or Aspers at Westfield Stratford, the Hippodrome offers a more upscale atmosphere without the exclusivity barrier. The historic building adds character and charm that purpose-built modern casino floors simply cannot replicate. The poker room rivals dedicated poker clubs in terms of action and tournament quality, and the dining and entertainment options go well beyond what most UK casinos provide.

That said, if you are looking for the ultra-exclusive, white-glove service of a private Mayfair club, or if you prefer a quieter, more intimate gaming environment, a venue like The Ritz Club or Les Ambassadeurs may be more suited to your tastes. For the vast majority of visitors, however, the Hippodrome Casino delivers the best overall package of gaming, dining, and entertainment available in London.

Ultimately, what sets the Hippodrome Casino apart is its ability to be all things to all people. A first-time visitor can walk in off the street, enjoy a cocktail at the bar, try their hand at roulette with modest stakes, watch a world-class cabaret performance, and dine on a superb steak — all in a single evening and all within a Grade II listed building that has been wowing audiences for well over a century. For a true taste of what a West End casino experience should feel like, the Hippodrome remains the gold standard in 2025.

Whether you choose to visit the stunning Leicester Square venue in person or explore the Hippodrome online casino from the comfort of your sofa, you are engaging with a brand that takes pride in quality, heritage, and responsible gaming. With its UKGC licence, transparent policies, and commitment to customer experience, the Hippodrome Casino continues to set the benchmark for what a modern UK casino can and should be.