Hippodrome Casino London Review

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Hippodrome London Casino Review

Have you heard about Hippodrome London Casino but not played here yet? Based on a firsthand visit, our reviewers will present to you all the important features of this venue, from the casino atmosphere to its services and loyalty perks. Read this Hippodrome London Casino review to see how this historic venue combines modern luxury and meets players’ expectations right in the heart of London.

KingCasinoBonus.UK Ratings of Hippodrome

Overall rating 4.5 / 5
Slot Machines 4.7/ 5
Casino Games 4.2/ 5
Staff & Services 4.4 / 5
Loyalty & Rewards 5/5
Casino Atmosphere 4.9/5
House Rules 5/5
Player’s Feedback 4.1/ 5
Operator 3.5 /5

Explaining Our Methodology To Review Hippodrome London Casino

We have visited the most prestigious London casinos, as KingCasinoBonus experts look to provide you with a fact-based analysis. We review local London casinos with the same scrutiny we select our top UK online casinos. Our expert team actively reviews and rates land-based casinos like Hippodrome Casino London. We perform on-location tests following a comprehensive casino evaluation system to provide essential data on operations and services. Eight casino features make up our ratings to provide you with a comprehensive assessment of Hippodrome Casino London. The final rating is the average point of the casinos’ most essential features. This in-depth analysis results in objective, verifiable content that readers can use to make informed decisions. By assessing actual functionality, our land-based casino reviews go beyond surface-level recommendations. We aim to equip readers with actionable details, not just opinions, so here are our standards:

  • Due diligence: We look for a valid UK Gambling Commission licence and ensure that Hippodrome London Casino works legitimately and has no irregular activities that could affect its trustworthiness
  • First-hand experience: Our gambling experts visited Hippodrome London Casino twice—once on January 3rd, 2024, and the second time on April 22nd, 2024. These visits were anonymous, and we tried several slot machines, played at two roulette tables and two blackjack tables, and explored the restaurant menu and rooftop terrace. While on the first visit, we had a final bankroll of £100, on the second visit, the bankroll was £0. In total, we spent 8 hours playing and checking out the venue’s features.
  • Thorough evaluation: Our specialists examined the available game types (Slots, electronic casino games, live tables), payment methods (debit and credit cards), and other features – such as restaurant and parking – to provide a complete and reliable overview of what to expect from the casino. We ranked each section according to our review standards and offered clear and up-to-date details.
  • Comparison with competitors: In our 13+ analysis, we made sure to include other alternatives for the UK players, such as Grosvenor Casino and Empire Casino. We pointed out the key elements so you can have an overall perspective on each casino venue.
  • Keeping the evaluation up-to-date: There’s no better way to do so than visiting Hippodrome London Casino periodically—in this case, we visited after almost five months. Our goal is to keep you informed and change the ratings and review according to the features we find on our visits.

Comparing our visits to Hippodrome London Casino

We will present in detail the main aspects our experts have considered in each visit and their conclusions after the last experience at the casino.

First Visit

  • Date of Visit: 03.01.2024
  • Time of Visit: 18h – 23h
  • Open Hours: 24/7
  • Membership: Not required
  • Initial Bankroll for Gambling: £500
  • Money Spent Otherwise: £300
  • What We Played: Slots, Roulette, Blackjack
  • Final Bankroll: £100
  • Slot Machines: 20 slot machines and 60 games with lower denomination
  • Live Casino Games: 45 live tables
  • Average Betting Range: £1/£5 – £5,000
  • Poker Tournaments: Yes
  • Staff & Service: The staff is friendly. You can have lunch and dine at the restaurant. There is no hotel service. The nearest parking is at 20 Newport Place. You can smoke only on the terrace.
  • Security Services: ID checks for non-members. Only players of at least 21 can enter the casino. CCTV cameras in the rooms for safety.
  • Loyalty & Rewards: Membership card integration
  • Casino Atmosphere Rating: 4.8/5

Last Visit

  • Date of Visit: 22.04.2024
  • Time of Visit: 13h – 18h
  • Open Hours: 24/7
  • Membership: Not required
  • Initial Bankroll for Gambling: £650
  • Money Spent Otherwise: £650
  • What We Played: Slots, Blackjack, Poker
  • Final Bankroll: £0
  • Slot Machines: 20 slot machines and 60 games with lower denomination
  • Live Casino Games: 45 live tables
  • Average Betting Range: £1/£5 – £5,000
  • Poker Tournaments: Yes
  • Staff & Service: The staff is friendly. You can have lunch and dine at the restaurant. There is no hotel service. The nearest parking is at 20 Newport Place. You can smoke only on the terrace.
  • Security Services: ID checks for non-members. Only players of at least 21 can enter the casino. CCTV cameras in the rooms for safety.
  • Loyalty & Rewards: Membership card integration
  • Membership: Not required
  • Casino Atmosphere Rating: 4.9/5

Our Observations

We have already visited Hippodrome London Casino twice at Cranbourn St, London WC2H 7JH, United Kingdom. While our first visit was on the 3rd of January 2024 in the evening, we decided to place our second one on the 22nd of April 2024 in the afternoon. Our second visit was similar in terms of service experience, and we got to have lunch in the luxury restaurant. After that, we decided also to test poker in addition to slots and blackjack since the first time, we did not have seats. In terms of security, the level is still high and under 18s cannot enter the venue. The loyalty requirements did not change, and the staff was friendly and professional. We noticed a slightly improved overall atmosphere, which is why we raised the score from 4.8 to 4.9/5.

A Complete Overview On Hippodrome London Casino’s Slot Machines -4.7/5

Our research shows that the Hippodrome’s slot range beats the average for the UK. However, we believe it can be improved a little with updated high-quality machines and more space—sometimes, the punters overcrowd the room, which is why we rate them with 4.7/5. We hope that Hippodrome will improve its slot machines catalog to maintain its popularity among the best land-based casinos in the British industry.

How many slot machines does Hippodrome Casino have?

There are 20 slot machines, but 100 electronic games in total. Of these, 60 are lower denomination games which you can play with stakes lower than £1. Penny slots are an advantage, as they allow UK players on a limited budget to join and play. Still, they’re a lot fewer than the thousands of slots new UK slot sites offer.

Do the slot machines accept coins?

You may have to use the cash desks to exchange your coins for game tokens at Hippodrome Casino London. Alternatively, the casino provides a wide variety of banking options. You can make a bank transfer or pay with any debit card. Prepaids are also accepted and, surprisingly, foreign currency. You can deposit your casino winnings in a Hippodrome account and store it for future gaming sessions.

Slots at London Hippodrome Casino

Slot machine Minimum bet Maximum bet
Wild Fury 50p £5
Crazy Wizard £1 £5
Samurai 888 Katsumi 88p £5

Slot machine providers

  • IGT
  • Dominator
  • Novomatic

Local progressive jackpots

The top progressive jackpot prize at the Hippodrome goes up to £20,000, although it can vary depending on the machine you choose to play:

  • Eye of the Queen: £10,000
  • Egyptian Treasures: £5,000
  • Mega Bonus Joker: £10,000

Detailed Evaluation Of Hippodrome London’s Casino Games – 4.2/5

Let’s say you’re a player looking for poker, craps, or roulette – classic casino games. In that case, the Hippodrome Casino London has a lot of electronic gaming machines and 45 live tables spread out over all of its floors to meet your expectations. We allocated table games a lower score because the table minimums are sometimes raised in the evening. We’ve lowered the score to 4.2 instead of 5 since we believe the casino should change this action to encompass all the punters’ needs. For example, when we were there for this study, the least you could bet at a roulette table was £10. Some players might think it’s too much, especially if they’ve looked at their website and seen places where you can only bet £1.

Game types

  • Roulette
  • Blackjack
  • Baccarat
  • Poker
  • Craps

Betting limits

Game Minimum bet Maximum bet
Roulette £1 £5,000
Blackjack £1 £3,000
Baccarat £5 £5,000
Craps £5 £5,000
Three Card Poker £5 £500

Can anyone bet the highest limits, or do you need a membership?

The Hippodrome Casino London requires you to sign-up for a membership if you want to place the highest bets. That involves completing a form with your personal and contact information, just like registering on an online casino.

Live poker room

One of the best perks for punters at the Hippodrome is the live poker room, which is open 24/7. You can play no-limit Texas Hold ’em or Pot Limit Omaha. Poker tournaments are held periodically, with different themes and top prizes like cash or trips to Las Vegas. The tournaments and live poker room is provided in partnership with PokerStars Casino.

What To Expect From The Staff & Service Quality – 4.4/5

According to our firsthand experience, the staff at the Hippodrome Casino was friendly, helpful, and pleasant. The service was professional and top-notch, and the CCTV cameras made us feel safe the whole time we were there. However, as the venue does not offer hotel services, there are no places to stay the night. This could be a problem for international tourists who want to stay for a few days, but they can stay in one of the many hotels near the casino, which is good.

The Dealers

Our roulette and blackjack sessions went smoothly, thanks to the dealers at the Hippodrome Casino London. The croupier’s focus and speed of movement should be noted, like their professionalism, but don’t mistake it for sobriety. They can crack a joke if you know how to speak.

Food & Drinks

The Heliot Steak House within the Hippodrome is open between 12 pm and 2:30 pm at lunch and 5 pm – 10 pm at dinner. The Heliot is an ideal place if you’re looking to have a stake and one or two glasses of red wine. The food here is excellent and worth the £45 average price per serving. There’s a lot of dish variety in the menu, from grilled octopus to pan-fried salmon and USDA-grade steaks, as well as many traditional dishes from around the world. On top of that, you have 32 wines to choose from, with prices starting at £7.

How much do you tip the waiters?

Heliot Steak House applies a service charge of 12.5%, but you can opt out of it and tip the waiters directly.

Parking

The casino partners with Q-Park, so if you travel by car, you can park just near the casino at 20 Newport Place, at £8 per hour.

Understanding How Loyalty & Rewards Work – 5/5

We received the maximum number of points from our reviewers regarding the Hippodrome Rewards program. Enrolling is as easy as completing the membership form, and you earn points for every pound you spend at the restaurant, bar, or playing at the casino.

How does the Hippodrome Casino rewards program work?

  • For every £1 spent on drinks, food, or live shows, you earn 2 points.
  • Slots gaming rewards 1 point for each £5 wagered.
  • Electronic roulette terminals reward 1 point per £20 wagered.
  • In the poker room, you get 60 points per hour.
  • For blackjack, roulette, and baccarat live tables, point contributions vary.
  • You can spend your points on any service the casino offers.
  • You have 6 months to meet the necessary threshold and qualify from one loyalty tier to the next.

What you get based on the membership card

Membership card Reward
Gold 10% discounts off on food and drinks, 20% off parking
Diamond 15% discounts, 3 hours parking
Platinum 20% discounts, 3 hours parking. 3 hotel nights in Vegas, £200 gaming chips, birthday gift
Black 25% discounts, 5 hours parking, 20% off ticket at Mob Museum Las Vegas, 3 hotel nights in Vegas, £300 gaming credit, birthday gift, annual spa treatment, VIP events, priority reservations

Call your friends because discounts and up to 3 guests for every membership tier are available for you.

Hippodrome London Casino Atmosphere Insights 4.9/5

The setting can motivate you to play if you have the right cash. It looks and feels great, with elegant and stylish architecture, and you can’t miss the shows in the event hall below. You might even run into a famous person here. However, we give 4.9 because some rooms can be overcrowded, which can be a drawback for some VIP’s.

Design experience

With an interior design combining high-quality materials and classic architectural elements, nights out at the Hippodrome Casino London are bound to be glamour-filled.

Are there smoking areas?

You cannot smoke in the building. However, smoking is permitted on the terrace.

Location and surroundings

Architect Frank Matcham designed the elegant building you’ll be playing in at the turn of the 20th century. It retains some of the feels of the early 1900s, which is excellent news for history lovers. Its 75,000 square feet are spread over 7 floors:

  • 8 bars
  • 3 gaming halls
  • 1 poker room live 24/7
  • 1 restaurant
  • 1 tea room
  • 1 theatre
  • 1 conference room
  • 2 private rooms for dining
  • 1 rooftop terrace across 3 floors.

Event

You’ll be surprised to discover the casino’s magnificent theatre hosting vibrant live shows and spectacular themed events. Check the performance schedule regularly so you can purchase tickets to exclusive music concerts, awe-inspiring magic acts, and lively stage productions. On top of that, if you are a patron, you can rent a packed ballroom for your co-workers to enjoy a night like James Bond in a corporate way.

Essential Details On The House Rules (T&Cs) – 5/5

Our gambling experts studied the Hippodrome Casino house rules. We can confidently say you’ll find nothing out of the ordinary. Entry and membership are free of charge for those over 18, as they should be, and the games are played according to the UK’s known fairness standard.

Hippodrome Casino opening hours

The casino is open 24/7. However, if you want to play at live tables, they’re available from 01 pm to 9 am.

Do you always need a reservation to play at the Hippodrome casino?

Gameplay is permitted on a first-come, first-served basis. You might need a reservation to eat at the Heliot Steak House.

How to become a member

  1. Go to the Welcome Desk with your ID and ask for membership.
  2. Alternatively, you may complete the pre-registration form on the website.
  3. Provide your accurate personal info, occupation, address and contact number.
  4. That’s all! You’re now going to receive a Gold membership card.

Dress code

There is no dress code, but a smart casual style is advised. We spoke to staff members on-site and studied the T&Cs online and the only requirement we could find was that of decency. Therefore, your only care is to fit with the elegant atmosphere of Hippodrome’s historic building. To that end, you probably shouldn’t be wearing sports trousers.

Standout rules at the Hippodrome

The only rule worth mentioning has to do with money: players placing or getting paid bets worth more than £2000 must have their identity verified.

Players’ Feedback and Ratings – What Are People Saying 4.1/5

We believe you should have more insights from other punters who gambled here. This is why we studied player-submitted reviews for Hippodrome Casino London on Google and Trustpilot. You should know that the gamblers generally give positive feedback, praising the restaurant’s quality and the top-tier gambling atmosphere.

Hippodrome Casino player reviews unpacked

Google – 4.2/5

More than 4000 reviews make up the casino’s ‘Very Good’ rating on Google. The great majority of players have seen their expectations surpassed, especially tourists.

Tripadvisor – 4/5

Users on Tripadvisor have also been pleased with the service. Most of them have given 5-star reviews, cheering for the fun dealers and excellent shows.

Most common issues

  • Drinks are too expensive for some players.
  • Security guards outside may be impolite.
  • It may be difficult to book a restaurant table.
  • The place can get overcrowded.

Checking The Operator’s Background – 3.5/5

To complete our Hippodrome Casino London review, we must check the operating company. Per our verifications, the venue is legit and has all the required government certifications for safe betting activities. Still, the company is no large-scale operator. It is not listed on any stock exchange and only administers one gambling hall.

Who owns the Hippodrome Casino London?

Simon Thomas owns the casino. It is operated by Hippodrome Casino Limited, registered in the UK with company number 05497987. The UKGC licenses Hippodrome Casino Limited with account number 29471.

Contact info

Website https://www.hippodromecasino.com/
Email address [email protected]
Telephone number 0207 769 8888
Heliot Steak House telephone number 0207 769 8844
Heliot Steak House email address [email protected]
Magic Mike tickets enquiries [email protected] and [email protected]

Comparing Hippodrome London Casino With Other Top Venues

We believe it is only fair for us to offer you some alternative casinos that can compete with Hippodrome London. We selected 3 main operators, which we’ll briefly assess: Grosvenor Casino, Palm Beach Casino London, and Empire Casino.

Grosvenor Casino (Rialto, Piccadilly)

The Grosvenor Casino Rialto is located at 3-4 Coventry St, London W1D 6BL, United Kingdom, and can be easily compared to the Hippodrome because it provides the same gambling vibes, but the same as the Hippodrome you’ll not find rooms to stay, and it can be frustrating for those who are not in London. Make sure to see the complete Grosvenor review made by our team of professionals.

Palm Beach Casino London

Palm Beach Casino London is also a land-based casino that we recommend. Even though it cannot be compared to Hippodrome, we still gave it high ratings in our reviews, so take your time to review the article because it may be your next stop.

Grosvenor is better for 24/7 real dealer play

Despite its more limited gaming offer, Grosvenor Casino is open 24/7, including live tables, unlike the Hippodrome, where on-spot settlements are closed between 9 am – 1 pm. Suppose you want to play roulette or blackjack in a more intimate setting. In that case, Grosvenor Barracuda might be your place to go.

Empire Casino

London’s second-largest casino, the Empire Casino, is at walking distance from the number-one-largest, the Hippodrome. Both venues look impressive and provide similar dining services. However, the available gaming options differ.

Empire Casino is the best alternative for slots players

The Empire Casino London provides 50+ live gaming tables, which is in the same range as the Hippodrome. What makes it better is the double number of slot machines. The 40 machines on two separate floors have 20+ games each, which increases variety. They also make the place less crowded, as you can find a free machine more easily.

What sets Hippodrome Casino apart from its competitors?

Taking into account its gaming offer and additional services, the Hippodrome is a strong contender to the best local casino. Even if the live games are not open 24/7, you get to play at the only craps table left in London.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Hippodrome Casino

Pros

  • Well-known IGT and Novomatic slots to play
  • Three casino halls with 45 live tables
  • A chance to play at the only craps table left in London
  • High-class restaurant and serving
  • Huge outdoor terrace on 3 floors
  • A 24/7 poker room with affordable buy-ins
  • Competitive loyalty scheme

Cons

  • The place can get overcrowded
  • You won’t get the same variety you get on the UK’s 20 top slots sites
  • The food and drinks can be too pricey for some players

Is Hippodrome Casino London The Right Destination For You?

We say it straightforwardly: we think Hippodrome stands out as the most reputable gambling spot in London, no matter your budget or game experience and strategy. If roulette’s your best pick, this place can’t be beaten – with some of the only European tables in town. Sure, the £10 minimum bet is a bit steep. But for that authentic experience right in the heart of the UK’s most significant gaming scene? Take it from us – if you’ve got the coins to splash, make the Hippodrome your roulette home away from home. Also check Hippodrome Online Casino Review