Inside the Hippodrome’s Gaming Floor
The Hippodrome sits on Cranbourn Street in London’s West End, a short walk from Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. Once a variety theatre and later a nightclub, the building reopened as a casino in 2012 and now spreads its gaming across four floors. If you are planning a visit, it helps to know where each game lives before you arrive.
The main gaming hall on the ground floor holds the bulk of the table games. Roulette dominates, with both American and European wheels available, alongside blackjack tables and a handful of poker variants. Stakes range from low-limit tables for casual players to higher-minimum games for those chasing bigger swings.
Poker at the Hippodrome
Poker is the headline attraction for many regulars. The dedicated card room sits on the lower ground floor and operates seven days a week, with cash games running from early afternoon until the small hours. Texas Hold’em and Omaha are the staple offerings, and the room regularly spreads No Limit Hold’em at multiple stake levels.
The tournament schedule is where the Hippodrome really stands out. Evening tournaments run most nights, typically starting around 6pm or 7pm, with buy-ins pitched at recreational players as well as more serious grinders. Weekend events tend to carry larger guarantees and attract bigger fields. If you want a seat, arrive early or check the schedule in advance, as popular tournaments fill quickly.
If poker is your game, the dedicated card room inside the hippodrome casino runs tournaments most evenings of the week.
Cash game players should note that the room uses a queue system during peak hours. You can usually register your interest at the podium and wait for a seat to open, rather than hovering around the tables. Dealers are experienced, and the atmosphere is friendlier than some London card rooms, which makes it a reasonable choice for players moving up from online poker.
Table Games Beyond Poker
If you prefer fixed-odds games, the Hippodrome has you covered. Blackjack tables use standard rules with a few variants, and the casino runs both traditional and electronic versions. Roulette is available in several formats, including automated wheels and live-dealer tables with lower minimums.
Baccarat and Three Card Poker also feature, and the casino occasionally hosts Sic Bo and other Asian games depending on demand. Electronic terminals are scattered around the floor for players who prefer a solo experience or want to try several games without committing to a full table.
Table minimums vary by time and day. Weekday afternoons are the cheapest, while Friday and Saturday nights push limits up considerably. If you are on a budget, aim for a midweek visit and check the minimums posted at each table before sitting down.
What to Know Before You Go
- Membership: You need to register before playing. Bring photo ID and proof of address if you plan to join as a member. Casual visitors can sometimes sign in for the day, but membership is smoother for repeat visits.
- Dress code: Smart casual is the norm. No sportswear, no ripped jeans, and no trainers that look scruffy. The Hippodrome is stricter than many London casinos on this point.
- Opening hours: The casino is open 24 hours a day, though the poker room and some tables have shorter hours. Check ahead if you are planning a late-night or early-morning session.
- Location: Cranbourn Street, London WC2H. Nearest Tube stations are Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, both under five minutes on foot.
- Food and drink: Several bars and a restaurant operate inside, so you can eat without leaving the building. Drinks are not free at the tables, unlike some casinos abroad.
Is It Worth a Visit?
For poker players, the Hippodrome offers one of the better card rooms in central London. The tournament schedule is consistent, the cash games run late, and the location makes it easy to combine with a night out in the West End. Table game players will find plenty of choice too, though minimums can climb at weekends.
The main drawbacks are the crowds and the membership requirement. On a busy Saturday night, waiting lists for popular tables can stretch to an hour or more. If you can visit midweek, you will get a better seat, lower minimums, and a more relaxed experience overall.
Whether you are there for a tournament, a few hands of blackjack, or just a look at one of London’s most recognisable gaming venues, the Hippodrome delivers a polished experience in the heart of the city.