Wednesday, August 30, 2006

London Casino


Although there are a few rules and tricks that you need to know in London, if you want to go for a flutter in a casino, it is well worth the extra hassle, as the casinos tend to be very exclusive, up market and smart. If you are in the city on holiday, make sure you go through these steps if you fancy a bit of time at the tables in this metropolis- it has some of the world´s most famous venues and you might well see some stars while you are there

To begin with (due to a legal requirement) you'll need to become a member - but don´t worry as this is not difficult. All you need to do is pick your club, pop around and let them have a couple of forms of ID.

You´ll then fill in an application form and you can join up on the spot. You may need to wait for 24 hours before you're allowed in though, so head off for dinner or go and see a show and you´ll be set to go later on in your holiday.

The best venues are probably in the West End of town, but ask your concierge in your hotel- there might even be one there.

Here is a list of our favourite London casinos:

Try Aspinalls Casino at 28 Curzon Street W1Y 7AE (www.AspinallsLondon.com) which is a fancy venues with stacks of history, often frequented by high-rollers and big time stars.

The Ritz Club on Picadilly in the Ritz Hotel is similar (150 Piccadilly, W1V 9DH) - www.theritzclub.com). This is ultra exclusive, and great fun when you get in, but don´t get carried away when all the big boys arrive in their Bentley Continentals later on in the evening.

If you would rather head into a casino lower down the feeding chain, then the company to look out for is Gala who have a range of casinos in several locations where you play the tables or spin the reels without having to pretend that you´re a millionaire.

There´s a good Gala Casino in Russell Square (61-66 Russell Square) or try the Gala Casino on Piccadilly Circus (196 Piccadilly)

Other options are:

The Connoisseur Club in Kensington
The Cromwell Mint on Cromwell Road.
The Gloucester Sporting Club in Harrington Gardens.

posted by barcablogs @ 9:37 AM 1 comments

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Monaco Casino


One of the snappiest places to go on a gambling holiday is the French Riviera and specifically the Principality of Monaco. A small tax free enclave that is sandwiched between France and Italy, Monaco is home to some of the swankiest casinos on the planet. Monte Carlo, as the town is known, has been made famous by countless James Bond films.

Given its location, you can mix a visit to the casinos with a tour around Nice and St Tropez to soak up the glamour of the south of France.


The famous Monte-Carlo casino (to the right) was built in 1878. You'll play blackjack, baccarat or whatever takes your fancy in a succession of rooms with stained glass windows, lavish decorations and sculptures, paintings and bronze lamps. Unlike playing at an online casino, play at Monaco and you will have to play in a jacket and tie (but this just adds to the class).
Of course, Monte Carlo is home to one of the more famous Formula 1 Grand Prix motor racing events of the year, but it also hosts a top tennis tournament, sailing regattas and has a successful soccer club, so you could also throw in some sports entertanment onto your trip if you get your timing right. The principality is pretty close to good skiing in the Alps, so you could also combine a weeks skiing with a spot of gambling in the casinos.

posted by barcablogs @ 5:02 AM 0 comments