Hippodrome Casino Land-Based Casino Review

Hippodrome Casino Overview

The Hippodrome land-based casino is located in the heart of London’s West End, just off Leicester Square on Cranbourn Street. It is one of the best-known land based casinos in the country, and offers players from around the world an exceptional gaming experience. The site of the former Hippodrome theatre, there are seven floors of gaming, bars, restaurants and entertainment, with free entry and no membership required. The Hippodrome is the ideal London brick and mortar casino for players who enjoy classic card and table games, like roulette, blackjack, baccarat and three-card poker, as well as slots, electronic games and sports betting, and who also enjoy the chance to sample a wide range of food and drinks.

Discover the iconic world of Hippodrome Casino London, one of the UK’s most famous land-based casinos, in a brand-new series from WhichBingo! Join us as we explore its rich theatre history, step inside its seven floors of gaming, bars and restaurants, and uncover what makes this Leicester Square venue one of the most exciting casino destinations in the country. Don’t miss it, check it out now!

Inside HIPPODROME CASINO series

Who Hippodrome Casino is best for

Located in central London and with a world-wide reputation, Hippodrome land-based casino attracts a wide range of customers. The Grand Casino is the main gaming room, featuring table games (including commission-free baccarat), electronic games and slots, and is undoubtedly one of the most impressive gaming establishments in the country. As it’s open 24 hours a day, the Grand Casino does plenty of business at all times, but if you prefer a quieter gaming environment, The Gods Casino on the fourth floor offers a more intimate setting, and features both roulette and blackjack tables as well as access to the outdoor terrace.

If sports betting is your thing, you’ll love Paddy’s Sportsbook (opening hours Monday to Thursday 12pm – 2am, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 4am), where you can watch and bet on sports from around the world. The atmosphere here is always lively, as you would expect, and so probably not the ideal choice if you’re looking for a quiet night out!

Hippodrome Casino History and the Building

The Hippodrome land based casino is situated in what was once the Hippodrome Theatre. It first opened in 1900, and for the first decade of its existence was one of London’s most popular circus and variety theatres. It then became a music hall until the late 1950s, after which it became Talk of the Town, a nightclub and cabaret restaurant venue.

From 1983 until 2005 it operated as a nightclub, and then in 2009 was obtained by Jimmy and Simon Thomas, and was extensively renovated before opening as Hippodrome Casino in 2012.

Despite these changes, it still manages to retain its grandeur, with chandeliers and plush carpets throughout, and the original theatre setting is still in evidence.

Casino floor overview

London’s Hippodrome Casino venue offers a variety of gaming floors throughout its seven storeys, so no matter how you enjoy spending your time, you’ll find plenty of options and games to play.

The Grand Casino is the largest gaming floor and is situated in what was the main theatre auditorium in days gone by. It’s the beating heart of the venue and features a range of table games, slots and electronic games. Just off the Grand Casino is the Baccarat Lounge, where you can play commission free.

The Gods Casino on the fourth floor is more intimate and overlooks the main gaming floor and bars below. It features blackjack and roulette tables and gives you access to the three-tier outdoor terrace.

The third floor features the PokerStars LIVE poker room (opening hours Monday to Friday 12pm to 6am, weekends 24 hours from Friday to Monday) where you can play a range of cash games, while poker tournaments are held in Lola’s Underground Casino on the lower ground floor.

Paddy’s Sportsbook, where you can enjoy and bet on sports from around the world on a variety of screens, is located on the lower ground floor.

Although it is very popular and attracts customers from all over the UK and beyond, it is a well managed and regulated land based casino, and there are plenty of quiet spaces to rest, enjoy a drink or a meal. Although it can very busy, especially on weekends, you never have the feeling that the gaming floors are too overcrowded.

Games overview

Hippodrome Casino offers players the most comprehensive gaming experience in London, including table games, poker, electronic games, slots and sports betting. It is probably best known as the home of classic casino table and card games, best encapsulated by the excitement and glamour of The Grand Casino.

Blackjack, roulette and baccarat tables

You can play at variety of blackjack, roulette and baccarat tables dealt by professional dealers and with a range of table stakes on offer. Blackjack and roulette tables are located in both the Grand Casino and the more intimate Gods Casino, with commission free baccarat tables also available in the Baccarat Lounge, located just of the Grand Casino.

You can also play more than 100 electronic baccarat and roulette games (including the exclusive Lucky Lady’s roulette), with a wide range of minimum bets on offer.

Poker

The PokerStars LIVE poker room on the third floor offers cash poker games around the clock on weekends (and 12pm to 6am Monday to Friday). You can play No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha, with a 5% rake capped at £11. Blinds range from £1/£2 to £100/£200, and there is a session fee at certain times of the day.

Regular poker tournaments are held in Lola’s Underground Casino on the lower ground floor, and the Hippodrome Casino is a regular venue of the UK & Ireland Poker Tour.

You can also play table poker games, including TCP Prime and Heads Up Hold’em.

Slot machines

There are around 80 slots to play at Hippodrome Casino, with games updated every month. The range includes a number of jackpot games which can pay out as much as £20,000, as well as low-stakes slots where the minimum bet starts at 88p. The games include a mix of classic fruit machines and the latest video slots packed with bonus rounds and special features.

Game quality and betting limits

As you would expect from a leading London venue, the varied offering at Hippodrome Casino covers all aspects of gaming. There is a highly professional team of dealers and pit bosses who are all experts in their particular games, and ensure that all games are operated fairly and run smoothly at all times.

Every table has a screen saying what the minimum bet is at that table.

Staff and dealers

The dealers at Hippodrome Casino are amongst the best in the business, and manage the playing and operation of all games with quiet authority. However, they also understand that not everyone is an expert player, and so will offer support and answer questions if you are unsure about how any game is played.

Atmosphere and dress code

Although the Hippodrome land based casino is located in an historic building in the heart of London, and is opulently appointed throughout, it nevertheless has a friendly, welcoming vibe. The dress code is casual (even t-shirts and jeans are acceptable), with the only rule being that your appearance is of an acceptable standard and not likely to offend other customers.

There is a very mixed crowd, ranging from high rollers, to casual players, to tourists visiting London and people who are just there to enjoy the food and drinks. Always lively but never uncomfortably so, Hippodrome Casino is the ideal venue for a London night out, whether you’re there to play the tables or just soak up the atmosphere.

Amenities

The Hippodrome is more than a casino, it has an exceptional range of food and drink options to suit every taste and budget. There’s also a regular programme of special events and programs, including ‘Magic Mike Live’, a world-class stage show based on the smash hit movies.

Bars and food

Even if gaming isn’t your thing, it’s worth paying a visit to Hippodrome Casino just for the food and drink! There are ten bars and three restaurants spread over seven floors, with a wide range of cuisines and dining styles.

• The Heliot Steak House on the first floor has been named Best Casino Restaurant of the Year three times at the European Casino Awards, and serves exceptional USDA prime steaks under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Ioannis Grammenos. It also offers an exceptional view of the gaming floors below.
• Chop Chop on the lower ground floor offers contemporary Chinese cuisine, including dim sum, vegetarian and vegan dishes, and their acclaimed roast duck. Complement your meal with an extensive range of Asian-inspired cocktails.
• The Gods Rooftop Bar is spread over three floors, each with its own distinct character. You can enjoy the casual dining Hippodrome Express menu, featuring a gastro-pub style menu, as well as all-day breakfasts, sandwiches and salads. There is also an exceptional cocktail menu, plus a wine list featuring a mix of classic and new-world wines and champagnes.
• The Penny Bar on the first floor overlooks the Grand Casino and is the perfect place in which to begin your visit. It offers an outstanding range of beers and cocktails, and food is served until late. If you’re planning a visit to the Magic Mike show, the first-floor Permission Bar is ideal for pre and post-show drinks and food, and features live music.
• If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back, Archive & Myth on the lower ground floor is the ideal choice. It’s a luxurious space serving the very best in contemporary cocktails and vintage spirits.

• Sports fans won’t want to miss Paddy’s Sportsbook in the lower ground floor. Part casino, part sports bar, there are 55 HD screens showing all the best sporting events from around the world. Take in the action at the bar or kick back in a private booth with table service, and enjoy a classic sports bar menu including smash burgers, wings and more, plus a great selection of beers, wines, champagnes and spirits.

Smoking policy

Smoking is permitted on all three levels of the outdoor terrace, where you can also play the tables and enjoy a selection of food and drink.

Accessibility

The Little Newport Street entrance provides level wheelchair access, and there are lifts throughout that provide access to all facilities, including the toilets on each floor. Chop Chop restaurant and Archive & Myth on the lower ground floor are both wheelchair accessible, and The Rooftop Bar can be accessed via lift.

There is an infra-red Sennheiser hearing system in the theatre, and ‘necklaces’ can be obtained from the theatre operations team. Hippodrome Casino offers the Access Card, and also welcomes assistance dogs (as defined by the Equality Act 2010).

Loyalty programme and comps

There are a range of loyalty rewards available for regular customers at Hippodrome Casino. To join the H-Club, download the membership app and you’ll receive 10% off all food and drink. You can upgrade your membership to Gold by uploading your ID in the app or visiting the Welcome Desk and confirming your personal details. The Gold rewards card gives you points when you play on the live tables, in the poker room, or electronic roulette and slots. You also pick up points when eating and drinking in any of the bars or restaurants. Points can then be used for gaming, additional food and drink discounts, or for Hippodrome merchandise.

Over time you can progress to Hippodrome Diamond, Platinum and Black cards, where a further range of rewards are available.

Safety and security

Hippodrome Casino operates a Challenge 25 policy, where anyone who appears to be under 25 years of age is required to show government issued and approved identification. There are checks on entry, and extensive security throughout, including CCTV cameras and on-floor guards who observe all casino operations and activity, ensuring that customers can enjoy an evening’s gaming in safety.

Getting to Hippodrome Casino

Hippodrome Casino is located in Leicester Square in central London and has excellent public transport links. It is within easy walking distance of Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross tube stations, as well as Charing Cross and Waterloo mainline stations. There is a taxi rank on Cranbourn Street immediately outside, and there are other ranks nearby at Leicester Square and outside Charing Cross Station.

When you’re in London, search online for casinos near me to find the most convenient transport links.

Hippodrome Casino Summary

While it’s not officially recognised as a UK ‘super casino’, Hippodrome Casino is undoubtedly one of the most popular and extensive gaming venues in the country. Even if you live outside of London and the Hippodrome is not your nearest casino, it’s still worth the effort to get there!

The unique mix of table games, poker rooms, sports betting, slots and electronic games means there is something for everyone, and as the different gaming floors each have their own vibe and feel, you’ll always be able to find a space that suits your style.

There are few casinos in the UK that offer such a wide range of entertainment, food and drink options, and so Hippodrome Casino is a venue that will appeal even if the gaming tables are not the main attraction for you. It’s a great place for groups to get together and the atmosphere is always buzzing. At weekends it can be very busy, which is not everyone’s cup of tea, but on the whole a visit here is always enjoyable.

The customer support team is always on hand to answer questions, and you can contact them in advance using the form on the website.

Hippodrome Casino is fully licenced and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you can be sure that any personal information you provide is protected as per current legislation.

Latest News

18. Feb 2026 18:16

Are These The Best Slot Games of 2026?

It’s time to decide the best slot games of 2026. The race for the WhichBingo Awards 2026 is officially on, and the Best Slot Game category is more competitive than ever. Now in its fourth year, this award is a true player favourite. The question is; will 2026’s best slot be a new release, a cult classic, or a franchise darling? Here are the nominees for Best Slot Game 2026…

by

Nic McBride

6min

13. Feb 2026 16:14

Friday the 13th, Bingo Habits, and a £250,000 Jackpot

The National Bingo Game clearly doesn’t care about omens because, despite it being Friday the 13th, they have just launched a new jackpot. To celebrate the launch, they’ve also released new research into the quirky habits and traditions of bingo fans across the country. A quick heads-up: Whether you’re wearing your lucky socks or sitting in your “magic” chair, remember that bingo is a game of pure chance. We love…

by

Nic McBride

4min

11. Feb 2026 18:08

The Great De-Swiping: 82% of Brits Would Prefer To Meet Someone Naturally, Rather Than on an App

The honeymoon phase with dating apps is officially over. As Valentine’s Day approaches, Brits admit they still think the day is relevant, but are ready to leave apps behind. A study of more than 500 Brits shows that 82% of single people would now prefer to meet a potential partner “naturally at a social event” rather than through a screen.  This desire for organic connection comes as app fatigue sets…

by

Nic McBride

2min

11. Feb 2026 15:34

'Inside Hippodrome Casino' Series Coming Soon 

Charlie Shakespeare is on his travels again (he doesn’t sit still for a minute, does he!). This time, Charles is in the big smoke to uncover the magic of the famous venue: the Hippodrome. Opened over 120 years ago, the Hippodrome has been everything from an arena with a 100,000-gallon water tank sunk into the floor to where escapologist Harry Houdini performed in 1904, and a Peter Stringfellow-run club. Now, father…

by

Esther Rubin

2min

Load More