Simon Thomas runs one of London’s best-known casino venues. As Executive Chairman and majority shareholder of Hippodrome Casino, he has shaped the Leicester Square landmark for more than two decades.
This profile covers his career path, his role at Hippodrome, and the achievements that have made him a respected voice in UK gaming.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Simon Thomas |
| Title | Executive Chairman and majority shareholder |
| Company | Hippodrome Casino, Leicester Square, London |
| Joined Company | March 2005 |
| Venue Opened | July 2012 |
| Education | University of Bristol (first-class honors degree) |
| Other Roles | Director, Next Generation (Australia); trustee, GamCare (2007-2019) |
Who Is Simon Thomas?
Simon Thomas is the Executive Chairman and majority shareholder of Hippodrome Casino. The venue sits in Leicester Square, London, and opened its doors in July 2012.
Hippodrome Casino covers roughly 80,000 square feet across a historic building. It employs more than 820 staff and welcomes over 32,000 visitors a week, making it one of the busiest casino resorts in the UK.
Thomas studied at the University of Bristol, where he earned a first-class honors degree. He also attended Uppingham School before starting his career in the gaming and leisure sector.
Building a Career in Gaming
Thomas joined Hippodrome Casino in March 2005 and has led the business ever since. Before that, he ran his family’s Thomas Holdings group of companies, growing it into the UK’s leading bingo hall and adult gaming center operator.
Part of that business sold in 2006, giving Thomas the capital to turn the former Hippodrome theatre into the casino resort it is today.
His current role goes beyond day-to-day management. Thomas also directs Next Generation (Australia) and leads World Gaming Tech as managing director, positions he has held since 2007 and 2009.
From 2007 to 2019, he served as a trustee at GamCare, the leading UK charity for people affected by problem gambling. He also spent five years directing EAG, the trade exhibition group for the amusement and gaming industry.
Achievements and Industry Recognition
Under Thomas’s leadership, Hippodrome Casino has picked up major industry honors. The venue won Casino of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards London in 2018, 2022, and 2023.
Hippodrome has also hosted the Global Gaming Awards London ceremony every year the event has run in person, missing only the virtual 2021 edition held during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thomas became the youngest-ever President of the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (BACTA) and still sits on its principal committee today.
His recognition extends outside gaming, too. He is a member of Mensa and the Marylebone Cricket Club, and he serves as a Patron of the Royal Opera House.
A Voice for London’s West End
Thomas has taken on causes that affect Hippodrome’s home turf. He funded research showing that proposed evening and Sunday parking charges could cost the West End £800 million ($971.5 million) a year and put over 5,000 jobs at risk. Westminster City Council later shelved the plan.
He has also campaigned to ease Chinese visa restrictions, arguing that simpler entry rules would help Chinese visitors and businesses invest in the UK. In addition, he has backed tighter regulation of cycle rickshaws operating around Leicester Square.
Growing Hippodrome’s Entertainment Offer
Thomas has steadily expanded what Hippodrome offers beyond the casino floor. In 2020, the venue opened The Rooftop, a bar and dining space on its fifth floor.
The Matcham Room now hosts Magic Mike Live London, a show produced by Channing Tatum. Hippodrome also partnered with PokerStars in March 2013, and PokerStars Live has operated from the casino’s third floor since 2020.
Staying Visible in the Industry
Thomas remains a regular voice in gaming media. In April 2022, he appeared on the GI Huddle to discuss the return of ICE London and the UK Gambling Act review.
He has since spoken at ICE Barcelona and given interviews on Hippodrome’s plans for the years ahead, including a March 2026 conversation with Casino International about the venue’s future direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Simon Thomas at Hippodrome Casino?
Simon Thomas is the Executive Chairman and majority shareholder of Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, London. He has led the company since March 2005.
When did Simon Thomas join Hippodrome Casino?
He joined in March 2005 and helped transform the historic building into the casino resort that opened in July 2012.
What awards has Hippodrome Casino won under Simon Thomas?
Hippodrome won Casino of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards London in 2018, 2022, and 2023.
What other roles does Simon Thomas hold?
He directs Next Generation (Australia), previously served as a GamCare trustee, and was the youngest-ever president of BACTA.
Where did Simon Thomas study?
He earned a first-class honors degree from the University of Bristol after attending Uppingham School.
