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FEELING LUCKYThe government announced recently that it intends to change the regulations that govern gambling in Britain. At the moment casinos can only be opened in _designated areas,1 which are decided by an Act of Parliament. There are three such areas in London -- Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and Camden. This law will be scrapped but fruit machines in chip shops and take-aways will be banned to discourage children. Perhaps one of those empty properties in Stoke Newington High Street will soon resemble a local version of a Las Vegas gambling palace. We talked to a couple of dealers who live in Stoke Newington and who work in top West End casinos. The Australian media magnate who lost £7 million in one night is not a typical punter, nor is the sheikh from the Middle East who won £3 million in one session at the tables. But they are part of a large number of people who gamble regularly in London clubs. The top places charge £1,000 membership and an average person's stack of chips is around £2,000. They attract about 50-100 people per day. Middle-ranking clubs have free membership, lower minimum bets and 200-300 customers. The bottom end clubs attract an amazing 1,500-2,000 punters over 16 hours. There are over 20 clubs in London. By far the greatest majority of gamblers at the expensive clubs are from the Middle East and Asia. The dealers and croupiers pit their luck against their customers at blackjack, American roulette (numbered 1-36 plus one zero), and Casino stud poker. They work in rotating shifts of about 8 hours, day and night, from after mid-day to early morning. UK clubs proudly boast that they are not like the movies, with Mafia connections, hookers and gangsters and say that they are the most tightly regulated in the world. Unlike the United States, credit cards are not allowed, nor are drinks at the table. Potential members must wait 24 hours after applying before they can play. This part of the law was introduced to allow some time for thought and to reduce impulse gambling. Gambling inevitably generates tension and some of the clients have abused the dealer after a losing streak. If they are important enough, the dealer will be moved. When there is a query or challenge on a bet, the casino is fully equipped to deal with it. Each table has sensitive microphones, TV monitors and video surveillance. If necessary, the tape can be played back to examine the betting sequence. Most casinos look to gain 16-20 per cent on the 'drop' (money taken in bets) over an average week. There are a number of very rich characters who are well-known around the tables and who have unusual streaks of eccentric generosity. One of these was being driven through the English countryside when he decided he was hungry. They stopped at a pub and asked for a meal. The manager told them that they were closed for food and he couldn't help. A mile down the road the next pub manager offered to open up the kitchen and made him pie and chips. After the meal our gambling man tipped him £50,000 - on one condition - that he immediately visited the previous pub and told the less helpful manager of his good fortune. Croupiers and dealers are not allowed to socialise with customers, even off-duty. They are also barred from entering any other casino in the UK. Our local dealers have four points of advice for would-be high rollers: 1. Always expect to lose; if you win it's a bonus. 2. Never take a debit card or cheque book into the casino. 3. Pay for your drinks and meal before gambling. 4. Keep enough money for your cab fare home.
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