Not all gamblers are successful at the table, yet some earn a name in the world of gambling because they have in their own way made quite a splash. Beau Nash, born Robert Nash, was a glass maker although he also spent time in the army and as a lawyer. Nash is a name that is most likely forgotten by the average person now, but is remembered in gambling circles as one of the most influential to betting in the UK, most particularly Bath. He made a ruckus at University, getting kicked out for fraternising with a woman. After he left school in disgrace he headed for Bath which was well known as a town for philanderers and gamblers.
Nash may not have had a lot of class to be in the higher social circles, but nevertheless he was able to make in-roads with his social concepts. He created a series called “Rules to be observ’d at Bath” which was a humorous creation and showed how he felt about the social world still needing to be civilised. He was rather rude to those who lacked proper decorum, and though it did not win him a lot of friends it perhaps helped him gain notoriety. When his gambling was not successful in terms of earnings, he was still able to become one of the most famous gamblers in the 1700s.
Beau Nash was a dice and cards fan. Depending on the day he might play dice or try his luck at cards. He was definitely an experienced gamer, but he was also more open than he should have been, often showing his hand and thus making it impossible for him to win against others. Nash was a part of gambling schools located in Bath and Tunbridge Wells, which also caused him to lose reputation. The one thing that Nash was successful with was starting gaming locations. He was able to convince Thomas Joye to join in a gambling facility in Tunbridge. One of the most important strides for Nash was gaining knowledge of Roulette EO or Roulette Evens and Odds. It was invented by Humphry Cleak, but Nash was able to get interest for the game in Bath.
Unfortunately, Nash didn’t trust the right people with his business ventures since his accounting partners left him broke. Nash died broke at age 87, with a bit of debt that we may see as low today, but back then 1,200 pounds was quite a lot to owe. In order to keep Nash’s memory a gambling casino was operated in his name. The establishment was located in Bristol about 10 miles from Bath. The casino was under his name until the 80s. It was bought out by Annabels as a casino, but then Stanley Casino took over. The casino is under different operation now since Stanley Casino has been bought out, but anyone who visits the Bristol location will know that it has historic roots and was once named after a man that made certain gambling remained in Bath.