Baroness Twycross visited London’s Hippodrome Casino last week in the company of executive chair Simon Thomas and BGC chief executive Grainne Hurst, with both taking the opportunity to demonstrate to the Gambling Minister how much casinos contribute to the UK’s economic and cultural landscape.

Gambling minister Baroness Twycross visited the Hippodrome Casino on 7 February to mark the London venue’s 125th anniversary, undertaking a tour of the historic venue, meeting staff and learning more about the sector.

Twycross was accompanied by Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst and the Hippodrome’s executive chair Simon Thomas, who highlighted the sector’s £800m contribution to the UK’s annual economy.

“The visit was an opportunity to raise the all-important, and long-promised modernisation proposals which will allow our world leading casinos to grow, thrive, and meet the needs of their customers,” said Hurst.

“These reforms would also unlock millions of pounds in investment into towns and cities across the country, allowing land-based casinos to play their part delivering on the Government’s ambitious growth mission.”

“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.”

Acknowledging the 10,000 people currently employed by the casino sector,  Simon Thomas added: “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 Hippodrome is proud to be a prime example of what the right, balanced legislation can deliver.”

“There is so much rich history in this iconic venue, which has been dazzling audiences from around the world, for over a century. I am proud to say it is still doing that today.”