Lord Aspinall, a high society gambling king of London, is the focus of this episode. The podcast delves into his upbringing, abusive experiences in British boarding schools, the punishment-driven success culture in England, extravagant gambling parties at the Ritz hotel, and his illegal gambling scheme. The interconnectedness of exploitation in the casino industry, including gambling, zoos, and a murder, is also discussed.
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Quick takeaways
John Aspenall builds his success in the world of high-stakes gambling by hosting his own games.
Aspenall's network of wealthy friends enables him to establish himself as a prominent figure in gambling.
Aspinall's obsession with exotic animals fuels his purchase of Howletts estate to house his growing menagerie.
Deep dives
John Aspenall's passion for gambling emerges during his time at Oxford
During his time at Oxford, John Aspenall discovers his love for gambling and becomes deeply involved in the world of high-stakes betting. Despite not having a family fortune, Aspenall is welcomed into the circles of wealthy aristocrats who find excitement and thrill in gambling. True to his nature, Aspenall is determined to be successful at gambling and honing his skills, as he cannot rely on the wealth of his peers. This leads him to become an adept poker player and sets him on the path to hosting his own gambling games.
Aspenall's belief in the superiority of gamblers and dedication to the art
John Aspenall becomes so enthralled by gambling that he starts to view gamblers as a superior race compared to the rest of humanity. He becomes convinced that people who do not indulge in gambling are emotional cripples. Fully dedicated to his new passion, Aspenall spends a significant amount of his time gambling, forsaking other academic pursuits. His commitment to gambling even starts to concern his early partners, who feel the stakes are getting too high for them.
Building a network of wealthy friends for high-stakes gambling
Realizing the need to secure his place in the world of high-stakes gambling, Aspenall begins to cultivate a network of close friends who share his fervor. These friendships are built on mutual trust, need, and a common love for gambling. One of his earliest and most influential friends is Lord Maxwell Scott, who is also deeply engrossed in the world of gambling. Aspenall's plan to host his own games and solidify his position in this exclusive circle starts taking shape.
The path to success: Hosting high-stakes gambling games
Recognizing that hosting his own gambling games is the key to his success and status, John Aspenall becomes determined to establish himself as a prominent figure in the world of high-stakes wagering. By drawing on his network of wealthy friends, Aspenall begins hosting his own games, creating an environment where he can flourish. This allows him to navigate the world of gambling, strategizing and maximizing his potential for success.
The Rise of John Aspinall
John Aspinall, a skillful socialite with noble connections, becomes addicted to gambling despite his prestigious background. He hosts high-stakes poker parties, relying on wealthy friends to fund the events. While initially successful, his expenses outweigh his profits. Seeking a solution, he discovers a lucrative game called "Sham and Affair," which appeals to the thrill-seeking aristocracy. As the house, Aspinall earns 20% of each pot, allowing him to amass vast wealth. With his newfound fortune, he indulges in eccentric hobbies, such as adopting exotic animals and creating habitats for them.
John Aspinall's Exotic Menagerie
Driven by his fascination with exotic animals, John Aspinall grows disdainful of ordinary pets. He acquires a capuchin monkey, two Himalayan bears, and even a tiger named Tara, whom he raises as a domesticated animal. However, his obsession with wild creatures leads him to despise people with common pets and becomes enraged at their presence. To accommodate his expanding collection, Aspinall purchases a country estate called Howletts and transforms it into a sanctuary for his growing menagerie.
Robert sits down with Ed Zitron to talk about Lord Aspinall and his gambling buddies, who ruled London high society with an iron fist and also did a murder.