Nestled in the bustling heart of London’s West End, The Hippodrome Casino stands as a storied landmark that blends live cabaret, historic Art Deco charm, and vibrant gaming into a unique entertainment experience, housed within a 125-year-old building that spans 80,000 square feet. Originally opened in 1900 as a circus and theater, this Grade II-listed venue was transformed into a casino in 2012 by Simon Thomas, preserving its theatrical legacy while introducing modern gambling flair. As of March 31, 2025, The Hippodrome continues to draw over 1.5 million visitors annually, per London tourism estimates, its multi-level design and central Leicester Square location making it a beacon for locals and tourists seeking a night of culture and chance. The casino’s ability to fuse its rich heritage with contemporary thrills creates an ambiance that’s both nostalgic and electric, appealing to cabaret fans, history buffs, and gamblers alike. Whether you’re captivated by a live performance, admiring ornate architecture, or rolling the dice, The Hippodrome Casino offers a multifaceted escape that’s distinctly British yet universally enticing.
Live Cabaret: A Theatrical Legacy
The Hippodrome Casino’s live cabaret is its beating heart, a nod to its theatrical roots that brings world-class entertainment to its 180-seat Matcham Room theater, named after the original architect, Frank Matcham. This intimate venue hosts a rotating lineup of shows—burlesque, jazz, comedy, and magic—featuring acts like The Burlesque Show and Magic Mike Live, with performances running nightly and tickets starting at £30 ($38 USD). In 2025, it captivates 75% of visitors, per casino data, its plush red velvet seats and gilded decor creating a cozy yet glamorous atmosphere that contrasts with the gaming floor’s buzz. The cabaret’s proximity to the casino—accessible via a grand staircase—ensures a seamless blend of entertainment, allowing guests to transition from a blackjack table to a show without missing a beat. This theatrical legacy isn’t just a sideshow; it’s a core draw that elevates The Hippodrome beyond a typical gambling hall, offering a cultural experience that celebrates London’s West End flair in an intimate, historic setting.
Cabaret Highlights
- 180-seat Matcham Room theater.
- Shows like burlesque and Magic Mike Live.
- Nightly performances from £30 ($38 USD).
- Attracts 75% of visitors.
Historic Art Deco Charm: A Step Back in Time
The Hippodrome Casino’s historic Art Deco charm is a visual feast, its meticulously restored 1900s architecture—think ornate plasterwork, stained glass, and polished wood—transporting guests to an era of elegance amidst the modern bustle of Leicester Square. Spanning three floors, the building retains its original circus ring layout, with the Grand Casino on the ground floor framed by a soaring ceiling and intricate detailing that earned its Grade II listing. In 2025, this charm enchants 80% of guests, per internal surveys, its timeless design—highlighted by the Lola’s Underground Casino with its speakeasy vibe—offering a nostalgic contrast to the gaming’s contemporary edge. The casino’s integration with dining and cabaret spaces ensures the historic aesthetic flows throughout, creating an ambiance that’s both grand and intimate. This Art Deco allure isn’t just decor; it’s a living testament to The Hippodrome’s storied past, making every visit a journey through time that enhances its gambling and entertainment appeal.
Art Deco Features
- Restored 1900s circus ring layout.
- Ornate plasterwork and stained glass.
- Lola’s Underground speakeasy vibe.
- Engages 80% of guests visually.
Attraction Stats Table
| Feature | Scale/Size | Visitor Engagement | Unique Element |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Cabaret | 180 seats | 75% | Theatrical shows |
| Art Deco Charm | 80,000 sq. ft. | 80% | Historic design |
| Combined Draw | 3 floors | 85% try at least one | Culture & history |
Gaming Thrills: A Vibrant Casino Core
The Hippodrome Casino’s gaming thrills pulse across its three floors, with over 150 slot machines and 45 table games—including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat—offering a vibrant yet compact experience in its 20,000-square-foot casino space. In 2025, it’s estimated that 60% of the casino’s revenue comes from gaming, per operator financial trends, a solid share despite its smaller size, with minimum bets starting at £1 ($1.25 USD) and high-limit tables in Lola’s Underground reaching £500 ($630 USD) per hand. Open 24/7 with no entry fee, its accessibility draws a diverse crowd, while the Hippodrome Rewards program awards 1 point per £10 ($12.60 USD) wagered, redeemable for dining or show tickets, tying gaming to the resort’s broader offerings. The casino’s design—open layouts with historic accents—creates a lively yet refined atmosphere, blending seamlessly with cabaret and dining areas, making it a central hub that appeals to casual players and seasoned gamblers seeking London’s unique casino vibe.
Popular Casino Games
- Blackjack: High-energy table classic.
- Roulette: European-style wheel action.
- Baccarat: Sophisticated card play.
- Slots: Over 150 modern machines.
Casino Stats Table
| Game Type | Units/Tables | Revenue Share | Min. Bet (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | 150+ | 40% | £0.01 ($0.01) |
| Table Games | 45 | 60% | £1 ($1.25) |
| High-Limit Tables | 5 tables | 15% of tables | £100 ($126) |
The Hippodrome Casino, London, UK, shines as a timeless gem in 2025, its live cabaret, historic Art Deco charm, and gaming thrills crafting an experience that’s as cultural as it is exhilarating. The cabaret revives the venue’s theatrical roots, enchanting audiences with intimate performances, while the Art Deco architecture offers a nostalgic journey through a century of elegance. The casino, with its vibrant yet accessible gaming, anchors the experience with thrills that complement its historic setting, appealing to a broad spectrum of visitors in the West End. Together, these elements create a destination that balances heritage with modern excitement, making it a standout in London’s entertainment landscape. In a city of endless attractions, The Hippodrome Casino endures as a unique fusion of past and present, proving that the best casinos are those that weave gaming with rich history and live spectacle, offering every guest a taste of London’s eclectic charm.