Nestled in the vibrant heart of London’s West End, The Hippodrome Casino stands as a towering symbol of the city’s rich entertainment heritage and modern gaming prowess, located at the bustling corner of Cranbourn Street and Charing Cross Road in Leicester Square. Since its grand reopening as a casino in 2012, this sprawling seven-story complex has redefined nightlife in the UK capital, offering an unrivaled mix of over 100 slot machines, classic table games, and world-class live performances. For those exploring the most prestigious land-based casinos of Western and Southern Europe, The Hippodrome is a must-visit, blending a storied past with a dynamic present to create an experience that captures London’s unique blend of tradition and innovation.
The Hippodrome’s journey began over a century ago as a circus and variety theater, evolving through various incarnations before emerging as Britain’s largest and busiest casino. Its prime location in Leicester Square—surrounded by theaters, Chinatown, and iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square—makes it a natural hub for tourists and locals alike, drawing millions annually with its 24/7 accessibility and no-membership policy. Beyond gaming, it offers an array of dining options, from an award-winning steakhouse to rooftop terraces with panoramic views, alongside the electrifying Magic Mike Live show in its restored Matcham Theatre. This article delves into the casino’s fascinating history, its architectural grandeur, and the multifaceted entertainment that solidifies its status as a Western European treasure.
What sets The Hippodrome Casino apart is its ability to cater to a diverse crowd while maintaining an air of prestige and excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned poker player drawn to its PokerStars LIVE deck, a casual visitor enjoying the slots, or a theatergoer captivated by live performances, the casino delivers a seamless fusion of leisure and luxury. Its role as a cultural and social anchor in London’s West End, combined with its accessibility via Leicester Square tube station and free entry, makes it a standout destination. From its theatrical origins to its modern-day prominence, The Hippodrome invites you into a world where gaming meets spectacle in the heart of one of Europe’s greatest cities.
A Grand Stage for Gaming: Key Features at a Glance
The Hippodrome Casino’s offerings are as diverse as its storied past, combining an extensive gaming portfolio with top-tier entertainment across its seven floors. The table below outlines its core attractions, providing a quick overview of what visitors can expect from this London landmark.
| Feature | Details | Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | 100+ machines, slots and electronics | Lola’s Casino (Basement) | 24/7 daily |
| Roulette | European, American, Dice | Grand Casino (Ground) | 24/7 daily |
| Blackjack | Classic and multi-hand variants | Grand Casino | 24/7 daily |
| Poker | Texas Hold’em, PokerStars LIVE | Poker Deck (3rd Floor) | 12 p.m. – 7 a.m. (24 hrs Fri-Mon) |
| Theatre Shows | Magic Mike Live, cabaret | Matcham Theatre (1st) | Varies by event |
From Circus to Casino: A Century of Evolution
The Hippodrome’s story began in 1900, when renowned architect Frank Matcham designed it as a circus and variety theater for Moss Empires, opening its doors on January 15 with a spectacular show featuring a 100,000-gallon water tank for aquatic performances. Located at a prime West End intersection, it quickly became a sensation, hosting equestrian acts, acrobats, and exotic animals like elephants and polar bears, drawing crowds eager for groundbreaking entertainment. In 1909, Matcham reimagined it as a music hall, expanding the stage and adding cantilevered galleries to improve sightlines, a transformation that saw it host the English premiere of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake in 1910 and the UK’s first jazz performance by the Original Dixieland Jazz Band in 1919.
The mid-20th century brought further reinvention. From 1958 to 1982, it operated as The Talk of the Town, a glamorous theater-restaurant showcasing stars like Judy Garland and Tom Jones, cementing its status as a nightlife icon. After periods as a nightclub and cabaret venue—including a stint hosting La Clique in 2008—it faced closure until entrepreneurs Jimmy and Simon Thomas acquired it in 2009. Their £45 million renovation restored Matcham’s original designs while converting it into a state-of-the-art casino, reopening on July 13, 2012, with the backing of then-Mayor Boris Johnson. Key milestones in its evolution include:
- 1900: Opens as a circus theater with a massive water tank.
- 1909: Transforms into a variety theater with enhanced seating.
- 1958: Becomes The Talk of the Town, a star-studded venue.
- 2012: Reopens as The Hippodrome Casino, the UK’s largest.
These moments trace its journey from a theatrical marvel to a modern gaming giant, reflecting London’s ever-changing entertainment landscape.
Architectural Splendor and Entertainment Unveiled
The Hippodrome Casino’s design is a masterful blend of historical elegance and contemporary flair, preserving Frank Matcham’s theatrical vision within a modern gaming complex. The exterior, a Grade II-listed structure, features a restored façade with ornate detailing, while the interior spans seven floors connected by a central atrium adorned with the original Minstrel’s Gallery, 60 feet above the Grand Casino. The ground-floor Grand Casino dazzles with its high ceilings, gilded cornices, and 360-degree views, creating a grand yet welcoming space for gaming and dining, while the basement Lola’s Underground Casino offers a speakeasy vibe with mood lighting and a 12-meter HD screen.
Gaming at The Hippodrome is expansive and varied. Lola’s hosts over 100 slot machines, available 24/7, with bets starting at €0.01, catering to casual players with a mix of classic and electronic options. The Grand Casino, also open round-the-clock, features over 45 tables—European and American Roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and the rare Dice game, with stakes from £2 to £10,000 in the private Gods casino on the fourth floor. The PokerStars LIVE deck on the third floor, London’s largest dedicated poker space, operates from noon to 7 a.m. (24 hours Friday to Monday), offering Texas Hold’em cash games and tournaments with buy-ins from £25 to £1,500. The no-membership policy and free entry ensure accessibility, though a smart-casual dress code applies.
Entertainment extends far beyond the tables, making The Hippodrome a cultural hub. The Heliot Steak House, voted London’s best, serves USDA prime steaks overlooking the Grand Casino, while Chop Chop by Four Seasons offers premium Chinese cuisine like roast duck and dim sum. The Matcham Theatre, seating 326, hosts Magic Mike Live, a Channing Tatum-produced show running since 2018 with over 1,450 performances, alongside cabaret and music events. Nine bars, including the rooftop terraces with Soho views and the hidden Boozy Tea Room, serve cocktails and bites, while the Sports Lounge screens major games. Standout entertainment features include:
- Heliot Steak House’s award-winning dining with casino views.
- Three-tier rooftop terraces for outdoor gaming and drinks.
- Magic Mike Live in the restored Matcham Theatre.
This mix of gaming and leisure ensures The Hippodrome remains a dynamic destination in Western Europe.
Why The Hippodrome Casino Reigns Supreme
The Hippodrome Casino’s prestige lies in its unmatched scale and versatility, offering the UK’s largest gaming floor alongside a rich entertainment lineup. Its 100+ slots, 45+ tables, and dedicated poker deck cater to all players, while the Gods casino provides a secluded high-stakes retreat. The Matcham Theatre’s Magic Mike Live—a West End hit with over 450,000 attendees—elevates its cultural cachet, drawing diverse crowds from hen parties to tourists. Its 24/7 operation and central location near Leicester Square tube station make it a nightlife anchor, seamlessly blending with London’s theatrical and culinary scene.
The casino’s integration with the West End’s energy enhances its appeal. Open round-the-clock with no membership required, it welcomes all—entry is free, though ID is checked for those appearing under 21 or wagering over £1,500. Its proximity to Chinatown, Covent Garden, and Trafalgar Square ties it to London’s cultural fabric, while amenities like free Wi-Fi, ample seating, and event spaces for 10 to 800 guests add practicality. Additional highlights that set it apart include:
- PokerStars LIVE deck, the capital’s largest poker venue.
- Nine bars, including a hidden cocktail den.
- Restored Minstrel’s Gallery overlooking the Grand Casino.
From its circus origins in 1900 to its modern triumph in 2025, The Hippodrome Casino stands as a Western European treasure, offering an unmatched blend of gaming, dining, and spectacle in the heart of London.