Mayfair Casino Closes Doors For Final Time

Crockfords

Crockfords Casino, Britain’s oldest casino, was once synonymous with opulence, attracting aristocracy, royalty, and high rollers from around the world. has closed its doors for the final time. The company said after careful consideration and a consultation process, the decision was made to close Crockfords Casino for good. The £80 million site would cease operations, marking the end of an era. As a result, the casino’s 100 employees faced the uncertainty of redundancy or potential reassignment to other casinos within the Genting group.

In 1828, William Crockford, a working-class fishmonger, founded Crockfords Casino. What started as a private members’ gaming club located at 50 St James Place soon became a playground for the upper crust of society. Crockfords capitalized on the gambling craze that swept through the 19th century, offering a sophisticated environment for England’s elite to indulge their passion for high-stakes gambling.

As Crockfords Casino gained popularity, it outgrew its original location and relocated to the prestigious district of Mayfair. This move solidified its status as a global gambling destination, attracting high rollers from far and wide. The allure of Crockfords lay not only in its luxurious ambiance but also in the thrilling drama that unfolded within its walls.

Crockfords Casino’s reputation was further cemented in 2017 when it found itself embroiled in a legal battle with renowned poker player Phil Ivey. After winning £7.7 million in a game of Baccarat, Ivey sought to collect his winnings. However, suspicions of cheating arose, leading to a protracted legal dispute. Ultimately, the casino prevailed, and Ivey’s initial stake was returned.

Like many industries, the pandemic took its toll on the world of gambling, and Crockfords Casino was not spared. As travel restrictions and lockdowns disrupted global tourism, the flow of high-end visitors to London dwindled. With its exclusive clientele unable to visit, the casino faced a significant decline in revenue. The pandemic became a catalyst for the challenges that would ultimately seal Crockfords’ fate.

In addition to the pandemic, Crockfords Casino, along with other high-end establishments in London, faced another obstacle: the so-called “tourist tax.” Introduced in 2021, this tax eliminated VAT-free shopping for tourists after the UK’s departure from the EU. The removal of this perk further dissuaded wealthy visitors from choosing London as their destination, diverting their attention to other gambling hubs around the world.

Paul Willcock, president of Genting Casinos UK, the owner of Crockfords, attributed the closure of the casino to a combination of factors that put high-end London casinos at a competitive disadvantage. While the cachet of Mayfair had once drawn discerning gamblers, the evolving global market had shifted the balance. Other gambling destinations offered more enticing experiences, leaving Crockfords struggling to maintain its position.