Evolution of Gambling Hot Spots in Soho: From Old-Fashioned Casinos to Esports

Betting has been in London since the 16th century under King Henry VIII. Soho was not going to miss out, especially when you consider its artistic focus provided some gambling chances. But how did the city capitalize on these possibilities and evolve to start offering online slots games to players? That’s what this article covers, starting from Soho’s earliest recorded contact with betting to where you can now wager on video games over the phone. Let’s get right into it! 

History of Betting in Soho

Even as you read, Soho doesn’t have a large casino. However, this doesn’t mean that it missed out on the gambling wave earlier. On the contrary, this city has long dabbled into the sport, and here’s how! 

Early Beginnings

In the 1800s, Soho was an entertainment powerhouse, with a number of music halls, theatres, and coffeehouses. What this meant was that many were visiting Soho for relaxation and fun. With this, it was only time before betting found its way in, and this began with games like Monte and Faro among the working-class. The former was a Spanish card title and the latter a French card game, both beloved for their simple rules and fast rounds. These options became popular across the town’s joints and marked the first introduction of the Soho people to gambling.

Crockford Casino

Crockford opened up in 1828 under the stewardship of William Crockford and the Duke of Wellington on St. James’s Street —  not too far to Soho. While the venue may not be a marvel today, it was ground-breaking then as the first casino in London. Before now, luxurious gambling establishments were available for the rich in private. So, seeing a place where they could all gather and have fun with slot machines and poker was game-changing.

Notably, Charles Dickens’s famous novel, The Old Curiosity Shop, played a big role in Soho’s betting culture. Reading was part of the town’s culture, and nearly every reader was soon curious to learn more about gambling. 

Clermont Club

The rule of Crockford meant many now had the template for running a successful gambling house. So, it was only a matter of time before Clermont Club opened its doors in 1962. This venue took punting to another level along the elite, with its clientele consisting of royalty, celebrities, and politicians. Now, there were more gaming options to explore, and the Club developed a reputation for its high-stakes contests. The owner, John Aspinall’s dream, was to make the club a social hub where the wealthy and privileged could spend their time, and he was successful! Clermont was based in Mayfair, just north of Soho, meaning people here could gamble legitimately without travelling too far. 

  • The Betting and Gaming Act of the 1960s 

Before we continue, it’s necessary to point out the significance of this regulation. It didn’t just make punting legit, but it introduced normalcy to the activity. Names like the Kray Twins, who made a fortune through illegal casino affairs in Knightsbridge, and the increasing connection between crime and betting required something to be done. So when this legislation was passed, and people could gamble in order, Clermont was the first to get a licence and start operating! 

Modern Establishments

The Gambling Act was updated in the 2000s, and with it came a wave of modern-day casinos. While none were located in Soho, they were easily accessible in Leicester Square and Coventry Street. Options available included: 

  • The Hippodrome: Based in Leicester Square, this establishment operates three casinos out of a five-storey building. There was also a restaurant, among other ways to have fun.
  • Palm Beach: In Mayfair, Palm Beach quickly became a favourite among gamblers for many reasons, and chief among them was its legendary poker tables! 
  • Aspers: Aspers is East London’s most popular nightlife venue. Thanks to its unrivalled casino offerings, ranging from 300+ slot machines to electronic roulette terminals. 

Going Online

With the advent of the internet in the late 90s, it became a question of when and not if gambling would become available online in Soho. Sure enough, many sites soon became available to players, mainly owned by companies located in foreign shores due to favourable regulations. To keep this civilized, the 2005 Gambling Act was passed, with regulators keen to prevent gamblers from falling victim to fraudulent establishments. 

Slots and table games were the first offerings of these sites, but that’s since changed. Players can enjoy live dealer titles, not to mention the emergence of esports. Now, you can watch and bet on a list of virtual sports, such as DOTA 2, League of Legends, Overwatch, and Call of Duty Mobile. 

Punting in Soho Has Come Full Cycle

Unlike before, when gambling was available to a select few in Soho, anyone can play now as long as they’re legal. Trips to Leicester Square or Coventry Street won’t take much of your time. If you have a mobile phone, that’s better. Just log in to your favourite site, and you can start playing!

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