When it comes to the gambling industry, traditional betting is immensely popular still, and there are numerous hotspots in every community for gambling. However, it’s also not uncommon for these hotspots to change, and over time, local gambling industries can rise, fall, and change. In line with this thought, today, we’re taking a look at the unique gambling scene in Soho, which has firmly established itself as one of London’s most vibrant communities. Hopefully, this will allow you to understand more about where to bet in Soho and how to make the most of local gambling opportunities, regardless of whether you’re a lover of traditional casino games or if you’re looking for somewhere to bet on the latest eSports tournaments! Casino websites like Betfree.ie say that roulette is the most popular casino game in the UK and Ireland, and this is just one of the reasons people travel to high street locations in Soho.
What Makes Soho Such a Popular Destination for Betting?
Before we go any further, we should first take some time to consider what it is that makes Soho such a powerhouse in London’s gambling scene. Perhaps the most notable factor here is the fact that Soho has long established itself as one of the hottest destinations for entertainment in London, helping the region stand apart from the crowd when it comes to gaming of all kinds – and casinos are no exception to this rule.
The Establishment of Gambling in London
Indeed, gambling has been a mainstay of the London entertainment scene following its legalisation in 1845, which allowed casinos to spring up, offering betting games of skill. This overturned the long-standing gambling ban that Henry VIII had implemented in 1506, and perhaps unsurprisingly, this paved the way for a huge amount of interest. However, it would still be a while before the very first casino would be licensed.
Soho’s Betting History
In terms of Soho itself and its local area, the very first casino in London was Crockford Casino, which was opened in 1828. Though not directly located within Soho, this establishment was nevertheless still a groundbreaking casino at the time, and it focused on providing a luxurious betting experience for guests. Many years later, inspired by the success of Crockford Casino, the Clermont Club went on to open just north of Soho, attracting an incredibly prestigious clientele.
However, it was perhaps in the later part of the 20th century, and following amendments to the gambling regulations in the early 2000s, that interest would further spike in the casino scene locally. Moreover, during the ‘70s and ‘80s, Soho’s local interest in arcades would increase massively, leading to the establishment of several arcade brands, including Trocadero, Las Vegas Arcade Soho, and Goodge Street Arcades.
Overall, many casinos opened up within and just outside of Soho’s borders, and these offered several key attractions. Perhaps the most iconic – and the association that lasts to this day – is that of refinement, elegance, and luxury. The VIP feel of casinos in and around Soho no doubt helped increase their appeal to a wider audience; this was often also combined with a bar experience, and cocktails and live entertainment often accompanied the casino experience, making for an incredibly luxurious night out for many people during the history of casinos in Soho.
Modern Gambling Destinations In and Around Soho
By now, we’ve briefly explored the history of casinos and betting in Soho and London. However, things have changed a great deal since the early days of sports betting and casino games locally, and there are now numerous modern gambling destinations in and around Soho.
Gambling Destinations Inside Soho
Now, we should first point out that, for gambling directly within Soho’s borders itself, options are a little limited. In fact, in terms of casinos in Soho, there are only two main options: Genting Casino (right on the border on Shaftesbury Avenue) and the Las Vegas Arcade (yes – the original Soho arcade we mentioned earlier), which has a casino section located upstairs. There’s also the NQ64 Arcade Bar on Berwick Street and a William Hill store on Lower James Street.
Looking to Soho’s Borders
Thus far, we’ve clarified that there are several places to bet or gamble in Soho itself, although the options are a little limited. Soho residents don’t need to fret, though, because just a stone’s throw from Soho itself, things become incredibly bright and lively for the betting scene. Notably, there are several local bookies just on the next roads from the region, including a BetFred on Wardour Street, a Paddy Power on Gerrard Street, and a Coral on Newport Plaza.
Casino options just outside of Soho become even more plentiful. Just to the North of the area lies a Grosvenor Casino on Tottenham Court Road, which is undoubtedly one of the most popular casinos near Soho. Similarly, the iconic Hippodrome Casino can be found just South of Soho on Cranbourn Street in Leicester Square, which is an even more iconic betting destination! Along with these major players, there are many smaller local casinos and bars, including the Silvertime Casino, Lola’s Underground Casino, the Horizons Casino, and many more.
The Rise of Online Bookmakers and Casinos in Soho
Of course, these are just the physical casino destinations, and there are plenty of other ways to bet or gamble. Notably, for many Soho residents, the iconic entertainment scene offers the ideal backdrop to try their hand at online betting instead, which opens up a huge range of possibilities.
While online bookmakers and casinos naturally don’t have quite the same feel as a luxurious establishment such as the Hippodrome, they make up for this by offering everything you might want all in one place, and online casinos and bookmakers also provide a more convenient way to bet on any market or game you might feel like. So, if you’d fancy trying your luck with eSports betting or if you’d just like to experience live table casino games without having to dress up and leave the house, online betting might be the solution for you.
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, gambling and casinos have come a long way since their original legal inception in the 1800s, and today, Soho is a popular destination not only for casino and arcade lovers but also for sports betting enthusiasts. Given this, Soho’s residents have plenty of opportunities to indulge in the local gambling scene – and these days, with numerous options within and just outside of Soho, it’s easy to see why Soho’s entertainment scene lends itself well to the industry.
