The London Hippodrome Casino, in partnership with the renowned bookmaker Paddy Power, celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new, state-of-the-art sportsbook on the evening of October 1, 2025.
The launch event, which rolled out a green carpet for a host of sports stars and select guests, marks a significant milestone for the iconic London venue, made possible by the recently enacted Gambling Act Review.
The review, which the Hippodrome’s Executive Chairman Simon Thomas described as long overdue, allows UK casinos to increase their offering of slot machines up to a maximum of 80 and introduce new amenities like dedicated sports betting lounges.
While the expansion of slots and other lounges is an ongoing project for the venue, the opening of the sportsbook was a major cause for celebration.
Described as a “sports fan’s heaven,” the new lounge is situated beneath the main gaming floor and features a dazzling array of 54 high-definition screens, anchored by a massive 10-metre curved screen to ensure every guest has a perfect view of the action.
The opening night was a testament to Paddy Power’s well-known flair for marketing and entertainment. Guests were greeted by a string band, a 360-degree bar, and a lively atmosphere infused with the brand’s signature humor.
The event attracted several big names from the world of sport, including football legend Peter Crouch and darts star Fallon Sherrock.
Beyond the immersive sports viewing, the lounge is equipped with four live gaming tables, video poker machines, and a darts board to keep guests entertained.
The evening also featured a charitable component, with attendees given £200 in chips to test the new products and win money for charity, adding a philanthropic touch to the glamorous debut.
Simon Thomas, Executive Chairman at the Hippodrome:
In his comments to those gathered, Thomas stated that it had been a dream to install a sportsbook in the Hippodrome and that the partnership with Paddy Power had been a seamless one.
Rupert Elwood, MD of Retail at Paddy Power:
In his speech, Elwood indicated that the operator was extremely satisfied entering into this new innovative form of retail gambling in the UK.
