The usual bad press that casinos elicit has been turned on its head in London. Westminster City Council has expressed support for the successful application by United Leisure Gaming (ULG) for a casino licence for the landmark London Hippodrome in Leicester Square. The casino will, according to a Council cabinet member, provide an integrated night out rather than encouraging people to drink heavily.

The Hippodrome started life as a live entertainment venue on a grand scale, a variety theatre/circus originally hosting water circuses and other spectacles at the beginning of the 1900s. It became the Talk of the Town cabaret venue before closing in 1982 and reopening as a nightclub. The nightclub caused various problems for the Council and police, particularly with fighting on and around the premises. The Council now believes that the Hippodrome will be safer as a casino.

ULG proposes to refurbish and restore the listed grade II building. The alterations have been discussed with the Council, English Heritage, The Victorian Society and The Theatre Trust and are based on principles outlined by English Heritage. ULG was granted a casino licence on appeal, having first been refused by the licensing authorities. Planning permission for the casino conversion was granted in July 2006. (E-10.16.08)

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