The history of casinos in the UK – The Game Haus

Casino gaming has been around for centuries, with the first official gaming establishment opening in Venice, Italy, in 1638. This helped spark the casino craze in Venice, and by 1744, there were more than 120 casinos there. Gambling was slowly made legal throughout Europe, starting with the approval of lotteries, and then card games and general gambling.

Over the following years, casinos were built all over Europe, with Germany, France and Monaco helping to kickstart the expansion of casinos. Its incredible to think that centuries later the popularity of these games would soar, and the very same games that were played all those years ago can now be played from our very own homes at a casino online.

The UK has a very rich history with gambling. The slums were the prime place for betting to take place, and the games helped to close the gap between the rich and poor too. Lower-classes had the chance to change their life, and higher-classes were at risk of losing it all

Read on to find out more.

The Betting and Gaming Act

In 1960, the Betting and Gaming Act was passed in the UK, meaning that betting was finally legalised. Prior to this, gambling in the UK was heavily restricted. In 1509, King Henry VIII had banned gambling, despite it being a popular pastime for the lower-classes. In 1569, just after King Henry VIIIs daughter Elizabeth took the throne, the first state lottery took place, and offered a chance for the people of England to win a life changing sum of 5,000.

After this, legal lotteries and gambling were banned again, forcing lower-class players to go underground to play. Gangs were on the rise and the higher classes were at risk. It wasnt until an Act of Parliament came into force on 1st September 1960, that betting was legalised for those over the age of 18.

Casinos in London

The first casino in London actually opened in 1828, by William Crockford, with the sponsorship of the Duke of Wellington. Crockford is now Londons oldest casino and can be found in Westminster, reigning as one of the most exclusive and stylish casinos in the city. It was around the time of its opening, however, that casinos were tainted with a bad reputation.

In the 20th century, gambling in London was closely associated with the Kray twins. The famous, dangerous gangsters owned part of Esmereldas Barn, which was a popular casino in the rich area of Knightsbridge. The government subsequently decided that a different approach to gambling was needed, to properly monitor the games and promote the safety of their players.

The first legal UK casino

Following the passing of the Betting and Gambling Act,1961 saw the birth of the first licensed, legalised casino in the UK The Casino Club. The casino was opened in Port Talbot, Wales, by budding entrepreneur George Alfred James, whose vision came to life with a fine-dining restaurant that could seat 400 people, floor space that lit up for dancers and cabaret acts, and of course casino games.

In 1962, the Clermont Club opened its doors. It was the first casino in London to be granted a license, and saw the likes of Princess Margaret gracing its tables.

In 1963 and again in 1668, the government added a few small changes to the Gambling Act, with the support of the public. This meant that the industry was more regulated, and London became the most tightly-controlled gambling city in the world. The popular casinos saw patrons from all across Britain and Europe flock to London.

The Gambling Act

It wasnt until 2005 that the laws changed again, introducing the UK Gambling Commission. Now, gambling could be even more heavily regulated, and as the commission received authority over land-based and online casinos, the construction of the first super-casinos could take place.

The first online casino to provide real-money transactions was formed in 1996, and since then, the world of gaming has never been more accessible in the UK, and with laws in place to keep players safe, the industry just continues to grow.

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The history of casinos in the UK - The Game Haus