Spin City ; a British Gambling Revolution Is On the Cards but Are Casinos As Glamorous As They Look in Bond Films? Olivia Stewart-Liberty Enters the Twilight Zone of the London Casino and Finds That, in the End, Everyone's On a Losing Streak

Evening Standard - London › November 12, 2004

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Summary

The government's proposal to relax gambling laws may mean that a Vegas-style capital studded with neon and an army of 'super- casinos' is on its way. What would this mean for London? You don't have to look hard to find out: the capital is already home to some 23 such establishments, each packed with the debauched, the dangerous and, frankly, the downright desperate, whiling away the time with a hand of cards.

I visited four of London's casinos to discover what's on offer. The only thing these establishments had in common was a 24-hour 'cooling off' period, during which the would-be member is supposed to think long and hard about their decision to sign up. The next day, providing you're not in jeans, trainers or a tracksuit quite right, too, for who would want to be a slovenly gambler? you're free to game.

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Extract

Spin City ; a British Gambling Revolution Is On the Cards but Are Casinos As Glamorous As They Look in Bond Films? Olivia Stewart-Liberty Enters the Twilight Zone of the London Casino and Finds That, in the End, Everyone's On a Losing Streak

THE RENDEZVOUS, W1

The Rendezvous squats rather inauspiciously above a William Hill betting shop in a quiet corner of Mayfair. It's 10.30pm on a rainy Wednesday night and business is just starting to pick up.

Attention at the mirrored counter decked with chandeliers and strings of lights is not on me. It centres on a middle-aged, middle- height man of Russian appearance. He takes an unlit cigar from his mouth to reluctantly return greetings. 'Long time no see!' The Pat Butcher lookalike behind the counter offers something which 20 years ago might have passed for a saucy look, and bustles out to take his coat. His guests two silent men in suits are signed in and up they go, up the mirrored staircase ...

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