James Thomas, co-founder of the Hippodrome Gaming House in London, has passed away at the age of 88.
Thomas passed away at a London medical facility on July 30th after a prolonged sickness.
He is survived by his two sons, Simon and Jordan, and two daughters, Lisa and Carla, as well as seven grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.
Thomas opened his first gaming house in Leicestershire in 1956, followed by gaming houses in Nottingham and Derby.
In the 1960s, he established Thomas Automatic Company Ltd, which provided entertainment and leisure equipment. He went on to establish more companies, including Showboat Entertainment Centers Ltd and Lighthouse Entertainment Ltd.
Many of these companies were acquired by Rank Organization in 1987, while others were separated. The separated companies were incorporated into a new company, Thomas Holdings Ltd.
James Thomas served as the chief executive of Thomas Holdings, with his son Simon as the Managing Director.
Thomas Holdings’ Thomas Estates Ltd (operating under the name Showboat Entertainment Centers) and Lighthouse Entertainment Ltd (operating under the name Lighthouse Bingo and Social Clubs) continued to operate until they were acquired by Mayfair Holdings Ltd in 2006.
Following this, Jimmy and Simon Thomas opened the prize-winning Hippodrome Gaming House in Leicester Square in 2012.
Simon Thomas remarked, “My father achieved a remarkable amount in his life, enough to span multiple lifetimes. He was recognized globally for his business leadership and innovative vision.”
“I was fortunate to have his counsel and direction, not only as his business associate but also as his son. He was an exceptional individual who will be profoundly missed by his family, companions, and staff.”
Jimmy Thomas was a participant in numerous industry groups. He was a lifelong member of the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta) and served as vice-president and chair of the Bacta Charity Trust.
In 2013, he was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Casino Association. In 2019, he was once again honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK Casino Awards.
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