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The gambling industry's origins can be traced back to the reign of Henry VIII. He was known to be an avid gamer and was fond of laying wagers on dice games. Gaming was a cultural phenomenon in that time, with even the soldiers indulging in it. However, when Henry VIII got to know that the soldiers were spending more time playing games than fighting, he banned them from participating, but did not stop himself.

While gaming had continued to grow in the background, gaming establishments finally started appearing in the 18th and 19th centuries only. One of the first establishments was the "Gentleman's Club”, and it offered casino-styled gaming areas for upper class elite men who wanted a break from their tedious domestic lives. These clubs were exclusive and reserved memberships only for upper class men. The men would dine and drink, making friends and playing games. In these clubs they were allowed to relax and enjoy, which was so unlike the strict public lives they led. They had billiard rooms in which they used to play games, and libraries for men who desired solitude. Some of the original clubs include White's, Brook's, and Boodle's, and these were a few of the handful clubs who allowed gambling, which was illegal outside of it.

These establishments were of such importance that they were a critical factor considered while building blueprints of the city. These areas are still in prominence today, with places such as St James's Square hosting some of the biggest brands, and for this very reason, the area has been labelled as “clubland”.

The legacy of these clubs can be found across many countries, such as Australia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Ireland. It is no wonder that these countries were once under the control of the British Empire, and the clubs' presence talks more about the impact that colonialism left in these countries. After the age of colonialism, and with technological developments, the gambling industry has evolved from Gentleman Clubs to the formation of exclusive land based casinos, and to the introduction of a casino online. However, even after such dramatic changes, the White's Club, one of the first Gentleman's Clubs, that was formed in 1693, still exists and continues to be a prominent landmark of the area. It is the chosen drinking venue for the current King, Charles, and his son, Prince Williams. The club was initially named as “Mrs White's Chocolate House”. The Brook's, Boodles, and many other clubs followed.

The clubs were not only a place where aristocratic men came to dine and game, but also as venues where literary events and political discussions happened. Influential figures, such as Charles Dickens, TS Elliot, and Laurence Olivier have been known to hold memberships. One such important event was that of the Reform Act of 1832. The Reform Club was named after this famous act, and the members of the Whig Party had gathered there to discuss reforms that gave middle class men the right to vote and to redistribute parliamentary seats. The club was also one of the first few to admit women members.

Although the Gentleman's club had started in the Georgian era, their popularity peaked in the Victorian era. Around that time, more than 400 institutions had been built to function as clubs depending on different hobbies and careers.

By the nineteenth century, the membership bracket had expanded to include the professional class, people such as doctors and lawyers who were considered 'gentleman'. These people engaged in clubs mainly to network and make connections with the higher class. Most people were members of only one club, any one that suited their interests, but the influential people, who were popular in public spheres, had memberships at multiple clubs.

By this time, the clubs had grown to almost function as home-away-from-home for most men. The members were exclusively male and the clubs were a sacred space where people came to relax, enjoy, and reflect. The spaces were designed in a domestic setting, with facilities to read, drink, and dine. Many men had even changed their addresses to that of the club, and would receive all their mail there. Privacy and peace were vital factors of a club, offering men a well deserved break from the stress of a life in government, in business, or at Stock Exchange.

The exclusivity of these spaces to only male members also reflects on the male dominated societal norms that were followed in that period. Men must have only engaged with other men most of their life. Whether it be going to a same-sex school, participating in sports, or socialising in business. Major evolutions on the gender front started from the late nineteenth century with some women setting up their own clubs.

From their origin in the regency period, the Gentleman's Clubs have been more than just venues for social gathering. It has been prominent spaces that conducted influential events and offered men of authority to connect and debate on political, cultural, and economical evolutions of the society.

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