Paddy Power opens first retail sportsbook at Hippodrome Casino

• Flutter Entertainment’s Paddy Power launches Paddy’s Sportsbook at Leicester Square venue, marking first sports betting facility inside a UK casino
• New venue features 80 screens, live odds and in-play pricing with dedicated viewing areas for football, horse racing and US sports markets
• Opening follows 2023 gambling legislation changes allowing sports betting in UK casinos for the first time

Flutter Entertainment’s Paddy Power has opened its first retail sportsbook inside a UK casino, launching Paddy’s Sportsbook at the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, London. The facility opened to the public on 1 October, representing the first time sports betting has been offered within a UK casino.

The dedicated sportsbook operates under the Hippodrome’s licence with Paddy Power branding and features 80 television screens displaying live sports coverage. Betting markets span football, horse racing and US sports with live odds, in-play pricing and staffed tills available for customers.

Regulatory changes allow casino betting

The launch follows the UK government’s 2023 gambling white paper, which eased previous restrictions preventing casinos from offering sports betting. This legislative change has opened new opportunities for operators to diversify revenue streams as traditional high street betting shops face declining profitability.

UK Gambling Commission data shows gross gaming revenue from traditional betting stores dropped 5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025-2026, as online gambling continues gaining market share. Paddy Power operates more than 600 retail shops across the UK and Ireland.

“At Paddy Power, we’ve always looked to innovate and offer the best customer experience – be that in our high street shops or online,” said Rupert Elwood, Managing Director of Retail at Paddy Power.

“Our market is continually evolving, and this incredible partnership with the Hippodrome is a brilliant example of how we will invest in new concepts to broaden our reach and react to changing demand.”

Comprehensive entertainment experience

The sportsbook includes five self-service terminals and a hospitality area where customers can watch live sports on 80 screens including a 10-metre display, alongside private booths with table service. The venue also features dining facilities and a barber shop.

Paddy Power promotional materials describe the location as “the ultimate sport lover’s haven that is also the perfect spot for a night out, a bite to eat, to watch the game and to have a flutter if you fancy”.

The company added: “You can even get your hair cut here if you like. Seriously, we’ve even got a barbers too! Premier League superstars, eat your heart out.”

Winning bet slips can only be redeemed at the Hippodrome facility and cannot be processed at other Paddy Power retail locations. The Hippodrome ranks among the largest casino venues in the UK and also houses a PokerStars live poker room operating cash games continuously.

Industry expansion trend

Other major UK casino operators have also introduced sports betting terminals following the regulatory changes, including Genting and Grosvenor casinos. Rank Group’s Grosvenor brand additionally offers sports betting at its Enracha venues in Spain.

Flutter Entertainment shares closed 1.10% lower at $249.64 on the New York Stock Exchange following the announcement. The company operates multiple brands including FanDuel, Sky Betting & Gaming, Sportsbet, PokerStars and Betfair across global markets.

The partnership reflects broader industry adaptation to changing consumer preferences and regulatory environments. As online gambling growth pressures traditional retail betting, venue partnerships with established entertainment destinations may provide operators with sustainable expansion opportunities whilst offering enhanced customer experiences.