Like many of the world’s great capital cities, London has a long and rich heritage of gambling. From the gentleman’s gaming clubs of the 18th century to the casinos of today there has always been plenty of choice for anyone wanting the chance to while away a few hours playing and, hopefully, picking up some winnings along the way.

But while you might think that most of the action would be in the West End and the city centre generally, there are plenty of opportunities to try your luck in the general Islington area and beyond. Whether you want the old-time fun of bingo, or experience it being treated in a totally modern way, or if casino play’s your thing, there’s plenty of choice for you. And if you just want to find somewhere to place a bet on anything from how Arsenal are going to do in the Premier League this season to the 3.45 at Fontwell there’s a positive profusion of betting shops too.

So here are a few ways to see if Lady Luck is smiling on you without having to venture too far to find out.

Bingo

There was a time when almost every high street not just in London but across the whole of the country had a bingo hall. It was the perfect place, in those less gender-neutral days, where women could go and meet up with friends, have a laugh and a few drinks and have a few games. But society has changed and along with it have our leisure habits. With the emergence of the online bingo scene, dominated by some big players like winkbingo, this has meant that the old-style bingo halls are disappearing fast.

So, it’s good news for the fans of the old-style game that there’s still a chance to play in the old-fashioned way at the Mecca Bingo Hall on Arlington Road in Camden Town. To play there you just have to be aged 18 or over and fill in a short membership form and you’re ready to be introduced to the world of dabbers, bingo callers and all-round fun. You can play games that cost as little as 30p to enter, but to be in with a chance of a big win on a national or a Link game it’s more like £3 or £4 to enter. It’s open seven days a week with both afternoon and evening sessions – and once you’ve been a couple of times, you’ll really know the ropes.

If your taste is for a slightly more modern variation of the game, then a great place to head for Duo on Inverness Street on a Friday night at 6.30 for a taste of UKG BINGO. This is bingo with a difference with games that are interspersed with old-school garage tunes, lip sync battles and limbo competitions. It’s wild fun, with some crazy prizes. And although the event itself ends at 9.15 everyone’s also invited to the free After Party – all this and more for just £12 entry.

Casinos

Even though these have been having a hard time in recent years thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of their online counterparts, there’s still a relatively thriving casino scene in London generally. You might think that you’d have to head for Mayfair or round Leicester Square to try you hand at roulette, blackjack, baccarat or any of those other quintessential games. But instead of heading south to discover your inner James Bond, why not head east instead?

Hop on the London Overground at Highbury and Islington and head straight for Stratford where you’ll find not just any casino but the UK’s largest at Aspers. It’s housed within the Westfield shopping centre and, at 65,000 sq ft, it brings Las Vegas-style glamour to this particular part of East London.

It originally opened in 2011, one of the first of the so-called super casinos that the Blair Labour government were so keen to promote. Super it is with over 150 slots games, 40 blackjack and roulette tables and a 150-seat poker room. Its name refers to one of its co-owners, Damian Aspinall, son of the legendary casino and zoo owner John Aspinall and it’s some of his glamour that it hopes to emulate, though maybe without the aristocratic clientele who used to frequent his club.

We’ve mentioned the poker room and the club has a strong reputation for offering games for all levels and all budgets and if you’re lucky you might even catch one of the major tournaments that are often held there attracting some of the world’s leading poker aces.

Slightly nearer to Islington is the Grosvenor Casino in Russell Square. Although considerably smaller and more intimate than Aspers, there’s everything you need to enjoy a great night out. As well as all the games you’d expect, it also offers a range of cuisines in its à la carte restaurant including French, Chinese, Arabic and Indian.

The casino’s been run by the world-famous Grosvenor Group since 2013 and is very popular with a truly cosmopolitan clientele. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, there’s also always a warm welcome for new players.

Betting shops

Even though many betting organisations have been threatening that they’d have to close many outlets in the wake of the wagering amounts being capped for their fixed odds betting terminals, there’s been no real sign of that yet, in the Islington and Camden area at least.

You’ll find all the big names represented, along with one or two independents as well, and you’ll be able to bet on virtually anything you like there – even if it’s going to be a white Christmas.

So, as you can see, there’s no shortage of betting opportunities in and around Islington wherever your interests lie. And, even if you’re not that sold on the gambling itself, somewhere like the UKG BINGO we’ve mentioned will guarantee you a great night out, not to mention the perfect end to any busy week.