Hippodrome Honoured in Barcelona
This week at ICE Barcelona, the Hippodrome Casino collected a series of high-profile international awards, underlining the venue’s continued influence on the global gaming stage.
The accolades included Best Customer Innovation at the European Casino Awards for Paddy’s Sportsbook, the Hippodrome’s newest addition. The award reflects how changes to the UK Gambling Act have enabled British casinos to integrate modern sportsbook concepts for the first time, creating a more rounded and contemporary customer experience.
Further recognition came at the Casino International Awards, where Simon Thomas, Executive Chairman of the Hippodrome, received the Outstanding Contribution Award. The honour acknowledged not only individual leadership, but also the wider team effort behind repositioning the casino as an open, entertainment-led destination appealing to a broad market.
Adding to the success, the Hippodrome was named Best Casino at the Global Gaming Awards for the sixth time, reinforcing its reputation for consistency, innovation and operational excellence.
Team achievements were also celebrated at the inaugural ECA Slot Floor Excellence Awards. The Hippodrome was recognised as Outstanding Slot Team of the Year, highlighting the work led by its technical team to expand and modernise the slot floor following last year’s regulatory changes. In addition, Rosie Brooks was named runner-up for Slot Floor Employee of the Year, reflecting the importance of individual talent in delivering high-quality casino operations.
Speaking following the awards, Thomas noted that the recognition extends beyond the casino itself, highlighting the role of Leicester Square and the wider West End as centres of professionalism, long-term investment and high standards. He emphasised that when a flagship venue raises its game, the benefits ripple out to neighbouring restaurants, theatres, hotels and the late-night economy.
The multiple honours at ICE Barcelona serve as a strong international endorsement of what London’s gaming community has long recognised: that sustained investment, strong leadership and a focus on entertainment as well as gaming continue to set benchmarks for the global casino industry.
22 January 2026
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