Paddy Power and Hippodrome unveil UK’s first in-casino sportsbook

ANT and Dec, bacon and eggs, Ange Postecoglou saying "it's just who we are, mate" in the midst of unbridled chaos - some things are just better together.

And now, to that iconic list, add Paddy Power and the Hippodrome, right in the heart of London’s West End.

The pair have teamed up to launch the UK’s first-ever sportsbook inside a casino , combining the best of a Paddy Power bookmaking shop with a live sports and entertainment experience.

I went to check it out and - spoiler alert - they’ve nailed it.

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Full disclosure: I had a vague idea of what to expect. You know, a wall of 16" TVs and an overabundance of those little pens…

I was wrong.

The venue boasts 50 high-definition screens, including a 12-screen overhead jumbotron. There's seating for 120 guests, with plush lounge chairs, high-top tables, and private booths.

Think Vegas - but more refined. No sticky carpets, no obnoxious behaviour, and no blokes called Hank talking about their 401(k)… whatever that is.

Now, you've probably seen the photos. It looks cool. Really cool. Then again, so does Ruben Amorim - and look how that’s going.

So, does it deliver a good experience? In a word: yes.

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Paddy’s Sportsbook has solved pretty much every gripe I’ve ever had about watching sport in a bar or my local.

And trust me, I have plenty.

That awkward battle over which channel’s on? Gone. With 50 HD screens showing everything from the Premier League and European football to NFL, F1, UFC, cricket, racing, and darts - you’re covered.

The view? I wasn’t stuck staring at the back of someone’s head. Wherever you sit, you can actually see the action.

Having to call ahead to check if the late-night PPV event is being shown? No need. Paddy’s Sportsbook is open late - until 2am Monday to Thursday, and all the way through to 4am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

There are loads of other nice touches too.

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There are five built-in self-service betting terminals, and a premium hospitality area where guests get full table service, plus a menu of freshly prepared food, drinks, and cocktails.

Simon Thomas, executive chairman of the Hippodrome, said: “The Hippodrome has been reinventing entertainment in the West End for 125 years, and launching the UK’s first in-casino sportsbook with Paddy Power is the latest bold chapter in that story.

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“It combines everything people love about sport, hospitality and entertainment under one roof in the heart of the West End. Paddy’s Sportsbook is a venue designed to capture the energy of live sport in a way that simply hasn’t been seen before in the UK.

“Paddy Power has been the perfect partner - innovative, ambitious and as committed as we are to creating unforgettable experiences.

"Together we’ve built something that will attract new audiences, drive fresh energy into Leicester Square and set a new benchmark for how sport can be enjoyed in Britain’s capital.”

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