UK Gambling Minister visits London’s landmark Hippodrome Casino amid sector reform talks

UK Minister for Gambling Baroness Twycross visited the Hippodrome Casino in London on Friday to gain insights into the land-based casino sector as operators await key regulatory reforms.  

The visit comes as the iconic venue celebrates its 125th anniversary, having first opened in January 1900. Originally a theatre hosting performances by Charlie Chaplin, the Hippodrome has since evolved into a renowned casino and entertainment hub.  

Baroness Twycross toured the casino alongside Hippodrome Executive Chairman Simon Thomas and Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), which represents over 90% of the UK’s regulated betting and gaming industry.  

UK casinos contribute significantly to the economy, employing over 10,000 people, attracting 13 million customer visits annually, and generating £300 million ($371.44 million) in taxes while adding an estimated £800 million ($990.51 million) to the economy each year, as per BGC data.

However, industry leaders have been pushing for long-awaited reforms outlined in the government’s White Paper, which include updates on payment methods, gaming machine allocations, and allowing all casinos to offer sports betting. These changes are expected to boost investment and modernize the sector.  

Grainne Hurst, BGC CEO, said: “The visit was an opportunity to raise the all-important, and long-promised modernization proposals which will allow our world-leading casinos to grow, thrive, and meet the needs of their customers. These reforms would also unlock millions of pounds in investment into towns and cities across the country.” 

"We're now working hard with the government to make that happen, and I'm delighted we could welcome Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross to the Hippodrome, to see what casinos deliver now, but also what they can deliver in the future, with the right reforms," Hurst added.

Hippodrome’s Executive Chairman Simon Thomas said: "It was a real pleasure to welcome Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross to the Hippodrome, and give her a tour of the venue to meet some of our incredible staff.

“Casinos are becoming a mainstream feature of the nighttime entertainment landscape, and the spotlight is on Britain's world-class casinos as they innovate and invest.” 

The visit comes ahead of the BGC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) later this month, where Baroness Twycross is expected to engage further with industry representatives on the future of the regulated betting and gaming sector.  

The BGC’s members collectively contribute £6.8 billion to the UK economy, pay £4 billion in taxes, and support 109,000 jobs, according to the trade body. Around 22.5 million adults in Britain participate in some form of betting each month, with the NHS Health Survey for England estimating problem gambling at 0.4% of the adult population.