William Crockford
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William Crockford was born a fishmonger in 1775 London. He had natural aptitudes for probability and psychology, which allowed him to be a successful and extremely wealthy gambling club owner.
After an amazing series of wins and successes he made the biggest gamble of his life: In 1827 he bought and razed four homes and built in their place the finest gambling hall in Europe at 50 St. James Street. Crockford's Club catered exclusively and lavishly to the richest of the well-connected rich. Crockford hired for the club the best chef of Europe, Louis Eustache Ude. Crockford operated the club's casino. With his Hazard table, he persuaded a generation of Britain's finest nobility to surrender their hereditary wealth. Crockford retired in 1840, a millionaire at a time when a million was really worth something.
There is still a private club and casino operating at 50 St. James Street that is owned by London Clubs International. Today Crockfords Club is located at 30 Curzon Street in Mayfair and is owned by Stanley Leisure/Gentings.
