The allure of Mayfair’s private member casinos is not only in their luxurious settings and exclusive memberships but also in the thrilling tales of significant wins that have become part of gambling lore. These stories of high-stakes games and massive payouts add to the mystique and excitement of these elite establishments. Here, we delve into some of the most notable big winners whose fortunes were made in the hallowed halls of Mayfair’s private casinos.
The Unforgettable Night at Les Ambassadeurs
One of the most legendary wins in the history of Mayfair’s private member casinos occurred at Les Ambassadeurs Club, a staple of Mayfair’s gambling scene known for its opulent setting and high-stakes gaming. In the 1960s, a Greek shipping magnate, Nicholas “Nicky” Dandolos, famously known as “Nick the Greek,” won an astounding sum of money during a marathon gaming session. Dandolos was already a well-known figure in the gambling world, but this particular night cemented his reputation as a legend. His win, rumoured to be in the millions, became part of the club’s storied history.
The Baccarat Bonanza at Aspinalls
Aspinalls, another prestigious name in Mayfair, has seen its fair share of significant wins. In the early 2000s, a Middle Eastern royal reportedly walked away with over £10 million after a particularly lucrative session at the baccarat table. This win was the talk of the town and further enhanced Aspinalls’ reputation as a venue where fortunes could be won or lost in a single night. The royal’s win exemplifies the high stakes and the sheer scale of gambling that occurs in these exclusive settings.
The Roulette Sensation at The Ritz Club
The Ritz Club, situated within the iconic Ritz Hotel, has long been a symbol of luxury and live gambling excellence. In 2004, an extraordinary event unfolded when a group of gamblers known as the “Ritz Roulette Wheel Gang” used a sophisticated technique called “sector targeting” to win £1.3 million in a single night. “The group employed a combination of lasers and computer technology to predict the outcome of the roulette wheel with remarkable accuracy” according to the live roulette website JeffBet. Although their methods raised ethical questions, the win itself became a sensational story, highlighting the lengths to which gamblers will go to beat the house in these elite establishments.
The Poker Phenomenon at Crockfords
Crockfords, with its rich history dating back to the 19th century, has also been the site of some impressive wins. One of the most talked-about events involved American poker professional Phil Ivey. In 2012, Ivey won approximately £7.7 million playing a version of baccarat known as Punto Banco. However, this win later led to a highly publicized legal battle when Crockfords accused Ivey of using a technique called “edge sorting” to gain an unfair advantage. The case, which was eventually ruled in favour of the casino, remains one of the most controversial and discussed stories in the gambling world.
The Blackjack Victory at The Clermont Club
The Clermont Club, a storied private casino in Mayfair, was the scene of an extraordinary blackjack win in the 1970s. The victor was none other than John Aspinall, the club’s founder and a renowned gambler himself. Known for his affinity for risk, Aspinall won a substantial amount of money from an unsuspecting American oil tycoon during a high-stakes blackjack game. This win was a testament to Aspinall’s skill and bravado and added another chapter to the club’s illustrious history.
The Modern-Day High Rollers
In recent years, Mayfair’s private casinos continue to attract high rollers who occasionally make headlines with their significant wins. While specifics are often kept under wraps to protect the privacy of these elite players, occasional reports surface about substantial payouts. For instance, it is rumoured that a prominent hedge fund manager won several million pounds at Les Ambassadeurs in a single evening of blackjack, further showcasing that these casinos remain hotspots for high-stakes gambling. The tales of big winners at Mayfair’s private member casinos are more than just stories of luck and fortune; they are an integral part of the allure and mystique that surround these exclusive establishments. Each significant win adds to the rich tapestry of history that defines Mayfair’s gambling scene. From legendary figures like Nick the Greek to modern-day high rollers, these stories underscore the excitement, risk, and potential for life-changing wins that make Mayfair’s private casinos unique in the world of gambling.
