Long before Monte Carlo, when Las Vegas was a lifeless desert wasteland, London was a gambler's town. However, Queen Victoria's reign squelched games of chance to such an extent that no bartender dared to keep a dice cup on the counter. Only in 1960, with the institution of the Betting and Gaming Act, did gambling become permitted in bona fide gaming clubs.

In the West End alone are at least 25 gambling clubs, with many more scattered throughout the London periphery. But under British law, casinos may not advertise. Hence, if you wish to gamble away your beer money while in London, your best bet is to ask a knowledgeable concierge. You'll be required to become a member and wait 24 hours before you can play at the tables. Games are cash-only and commonly include roulette, blackjack, Punto Banco, and baccarat.

Men must wear jackets and ties in all the establishments below; hours for each club are from 2pm to 4am daily.

Some of the more popular clubs include Crockford's, a 150-year-old club with a large international clientele, located at 30 Curzon St., W1 (tel. 020/7493-7771; Tube: Green Park). Offered here are American roulette, Punto Banco, and blackjack. Another favorite is the Golden Nugget, 22 Shaftesbury Ave., W1 (tel. 020/7439-0099; Tube: Piccadilly Circus), where gamblers go to play blackjack, Punto Banco, and roulette. A final choice is Sportsman Casino, 3 Tottenham Court Rd., W1 (tel. 020/7414-0061; Tube: Tottenham Court Road), featuring a dice table along with American roulette, blackjack, and Punto Banco.