UK's Hippodrome Casino President and Co-Founder James Thomas dies at 88

London’s Hippodrome Casino President and Co-Founder James “Jimmy” Thomas passed away July 30 at the London Clinic at the age of 88. 

Thomas and his son Simon opened the award-winning Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square in 2012. He had opened his first casino in Leicestershire in 1956, followed by properties in Nottingham and Derby. In the 60s, he founded Thomas Automatics, which supplied amusement and leisure equipment. 

This was only his first company, as he later went on to create Showboat Entertainment Centre and Beacon Entertainment, among others. A number of these businesses were sold to The Rank Organisation in 1987, while others were demerged. The latter entities came under the umbrella of his new business, Thomas Holdings, where he acted as CEO while his son was managing director. 

Jimmy Thomas (1934 – 2022) pic.twitter.com/sBrsFAhgS2

— Hippodrome Casino (@HippodromeLDN) August 1, 2022

Thomas Holdings companies Thomas Estates -which trades as Showboat Amusement Centres- and Beacon Entertainments were sold in 2006 to Mayfair Acquisitions Limited. Six years later, the iconic Hippodrome Casino became a reality.

Simon Thomas, James' son.

“My father achieved enough for several lifetimes and was respected the world over for his business leadership and pioneering vision. I had the privilege of his advice and guidance not only as a business partner but as a son. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by his family, many friends and staff members," Simon Thomas stated. 

Thomas was a member of many industry bodies, including the British Amusement and Catering Trades Association (Bacta), and was the vice president and chairman of the Bacta Charitable Trust; as well as director of EAGE Ltd (European Amusement & Gaming Expo), since its creation in 2009.