Long before Monte Carlo, when Las Vegas was a lifeless desert, 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 did gambling return in the form of gambling clubs.

In the West End there are at least 25 gambling clubs, and many more are sprinkled throughout London. Under British law, casinos may not advertise. Hence, if you wish to gamble away your beer money, 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. Note: Britain's decades-old gambling regulations are under review by Parliament. Games are cash-only and commonly include roulette, blackjack, Punto Banco (a version of baccarat), and baccarat.

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

Crockford's, a popular 150-year-old club with a large international clientele, located at 30 Curzon St., W1 (tel. 020/7493-7771; Tube: Green Park), offers American roulette, Punto Banco, and blackjack. Another favorite is the Golden Nugget, 22-32 Shaftesbury Ave., W1 (tel. 020/7439-0099; Tube: Piccadilly Circus), where gamblers play blackjack, Punto Banco, and roulette. Sportsman Casino, 40 Bryanston St., W1 (tel. 020/7414-0061; Tube: Marble Arch), features a dice table, American roulette, blackjack, and Punto Banco.