The Victor Chandler business celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2006 and,
with that in mind, it seems a relevant time to look back at how the business has
grown into the international betting and gaming business that it is today.
The story began back in 1925 when Victor's grandfather, William, opened up
Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium, still a popular sporting venue owned by the
Chandler family today. However, it was not until 1946 that Victor Chandler
senior created the company as we know it now.
As soon as betting shops were made legal under the 1963 betting, gaming and
lotteries act, Victor Chandler began to build up his own retail estate, taking
bets in various locations across the south-east of England. It is safe to say
that betting shops in 1963 were a far cry from the luxurious betting lounges
that Victor operates today.
It was in 1975 that the current Victor Chandler took over the running of the
business, heralding the start of a rapid expansion through a series of
pioneering ventures. In the early 1990's, Chandler began to accept football
wagers from far-eastern clients and, in doing so, he recognised the potential
growth in foreign markets. He opened up an office in Antigua to enable these
clients to bet without the need to pay UK tax.
Paying 9% betting tax was
something that UK customers had been forced to put up with and Chandler wanted
to give his customers better value for money. In 1996, he obtained a betting
license in Gibraltar and in 1999 moved his entire business there, employing 350
people and becoming the largest employer on the Rock. Victor Chandler was now
able to offer sports betting free from UK tax.
The expansion of the Victor Chandler business has been largely through its
online betting platforms which include extremely successful casino, poker and
soft games sites, once again, Victor being one of the first to recognise the
huge demand for these types of products. He now has offices in Macau and Kuala
Lumpur and betting and gaming sites available in a multitude of languages. The
business now turns over in excess of £1billion and has over half a million
customers in over 160 different countries.
What has remained constant over the 60 years, is the pioneering spirit,
commitment to technology and a willingness to satisfy the customer, qualities
that so embody Victor Chandler and his business.
It is no coincidence that Victor is known as "The Gentleman Bookmaker". He
hates to refuse anyone a bet and as the racing journalist and Channel 4
presenter, Alastair Down, once wrote "he is the acceptable face of bookmaking.
All right, he is there to part you from your money, but you get a straight deal,
a civilised relationship and a sense of humour that reminds you that this game
is meant to be fun."
Within our site portfolio you'll find a massive array of betting and gaming
opportunities on all major sports, poker, casino and soft games.
Victor Chandler says of gaming, "There are very few thrills in life. Backing
your hunches is one of the last ones left." Successful bookmaking adds honour,
integrity, leadership and a pioneering spirit. In a competitive industry, Victor
Chandler has proved that he knows how to put together a winning combination. Now
is your opportunity to do business with the man who has been at the forefront of
making online gambling the industry it is today.
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