A us$ 12 million restoration application was originally submitted by United Leisure Gaming in February 2008 to change the Grade II listed building - which currently houses a nightclub - into a casino, card room, cabaret performance area, restaurant, bar and luxury hospitality suite.
Previous applications had been rejected because of the Hippodrome’s historic status, but this time law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) won its appeal for a license on behalf of United Leisure Gaming (which formed the company Hippodrome Casino to manage the operations and premises).
"This has been a momentous win and a landmark case for licensing," said BLP partner Craig Baylis. "It is the first time that a multi-use facility has been granted a gaming license in London and it gives the green light for what will be a great new attraction here."