Five of London's best high-roller casinos

The site of the original Crockfords, established in 1827. It has been through many refurbishments but under London Clubs International, the opulence has been preserved.

Membership £1,000, but off-peak membership (until 9pm) is free.

Gaming hours 2pm-4am.

Dress code Collared shirt and jacket, but no tie.

Games American roulette, blackjack, casino stud poker and punto banco (baccarat).

Salles priv?s Three, one with an en suite lounge and dining room.

Typical spend £2,500.

The second of John Aspinall's ventures, after the super-exclusive Clermont Club. Now run by his son Damian, it attracts a hip, poker-playing clientele.

Membership £1,000 a year, but must be proposed by a member. Applicants are offered 'honorary' or paying membership at management discretion, or rejected.

Gaming hours 2pm-4am.

Dress code Smart, but no tie.

Games Baccarat, big six wheel, blackjack, craps, poker, roulette, slot machine.

Salles priv?s Several.

Typical spend 'Sorry. I'm not authorised to tell you that.'

Intensely private and known worldwide for its exclusivity. Named after William Crockford, founder of the first London casino, and set in a grand Georgian house.

Membership £300, at management's discretion. Gaming hours 2pm-6am.

Dress code Smart, but no tie.

Games American roulette, blackjack, punto banco, casino stud poker. Soon to be introduced: Sic-bo (Chinese dice), three-card poker and the big six wheel

Salles priv?s Two.

Typical spend Up to £1,000 a number at roulette.

The flagship of London Clubs International, Les Ambassadeurs is housed in a richly furnished mansion with a walled garden and al fresco restaurant. The main gaming room overlooks Hyde Park.

Membership £1,000 full; £500 off-peak.

Gaming hours 2pm-4am.

Dress code Jacket and collared shirt, tie after 8pm.

Games American roulette, blackjack, casino stud poker and punto banco (baccarat).

Salles priv?s Two, one with a private dining room. A third is planned.

Typical spend £2,500.

Set in the Edwardian ballroom of the Ritz hotel, the gaming room evokes the great, gilded casinos of Europe. A magnet for the world's rich and famous.

Membership £1,000.

Gaming hours 2pm-6am.

Dress code Jacket, but no tie.

Games Roulette, blackjack, casino stud poker, punto banco. However, a variety of new games is being considered, but management is still currently undecided.

Salles priv?s Two, one of them a well-kept secret with a minimum stake of £1m.

Typical spend 'Among the highest in London.'