You don’t need to be born in Las Vegas to become a high-stakes legend. Some of the most impressive gambling success stories have come from places you’d least expect—like Newcastle. From poker tables in Jesmond to world championships in Nevada, a handful of talented Geordies have turned their passion for gambling into full-time, globe-trotting careers. This is a look at how a few locals took their first bets in the Northeast and ended up making it big on the world stage.
Playing Online Before Hitting the Strip
For many of Newcastle’s successful gamblers, their first real taste of professional-level play didn’t come from local casinos—it came from logging in. The appeal of non-GamStop casinos, which aren’t licensed locally, has provided these players with platforms that offer greater flexibility as a result. With fewer restrictions, a broader choice of games, and often better bonus structures, these sites became training grounds for ambitious players looking to hone their craft. They could play anonymously, set their own limits, and access tournaments not always available on UK-licensed platforms.
These platforms also served another vital purpose: they mimicked the conditions of international gambling environments. Faster payouts, cryptocurrency deposits, and global tournaments gave players in Newcastle a chance to experience a level of competition that matched what they’d find in Vegas. For those aiming to break into the professional scene, these sites offered an ideal proving ground. With access to a worldwide player base and less red tape, it’s no wonder several of the North East’s finest cut their teeth there before stepping into the big leagues.
Caspar Berry — From Byker Grove to the Poker Tables of Vegas
Caspar Berry, born in Newcastle upon Tyne, began his career in the entertainment industry, notably appearing in the BBC series Byker Grove. After studying at Cambridge University, he transitioned into screenwriting before making a bold move into professional poker while remaining a prominent speaker, too.
Berry spent three years in Las Vegas, playing in mid-stakes games at renowned venues like The Mirage. His experiences at the poker tables provided him with deep insights into risk and decision-making. Upon returning to the UK, Berry became a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing lessons from the poker world with business audiences.
Kevin O’Leary — The UK’s Deepstack Tournament Specialist
Kevin O’Leary, hailing from London, is a prominent figure in the UK poker scene. Known by his nickname “Lovejoy,” O’Leary has an impressive record in live poker tournaments, particularly at The Venetian in Las Vegas, where he has secured multiple Deepstack Extravaganza titles.
His biggest single tournament cash came from winning the Caesars Palace Mega Stack Championship in 2008, earning $272,000. O’Leary’s consistent performances have made him a respected name among poker enthusiasts.
Ashley Revell — The Ultimate All-In Bet
In a daring move that captured global attention, Ashley Revell from Kent sold all his possessions in 2004 and travelled to Las Vegas with the proceeds. He placed his entire fortune of $135,300 on a single spin of the roulette wheel at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, betting on red. The ball landed on red 7, doubling his money to $270,600. Revell used his winnings to start an online poker company, showcasing the high-risk, high-reward nature of gambling.
Neil Channing — The Irish Open Champion
Neil Channing, born in Reading, Berkshire, is a renowned English professional poker player and author. He gained prominence by winning the 2008 Irish Poker Open, earning €801,400 (over $1.2 million) against a field of 667 players.
Channing has cashed 33 times in World Series of Poker events, making him one of the UK’s most consistent performers in international tournaments. Beyond his playing career, he has contributed to the poker community as a columnist for Bluff Europe Magazine and as an ambassador for Sky Poker.
Victoria Coren Mitchell — Breaking Barriers in Poker
Victoria Coren Mitchell, a British writer and television presenter, made history by becoming the first woman to win an event on the European Poker Tour (EPT) and the first player to win two EPT Main Events. She secured victories at EPT London in 2006 and EPT Sanremo in 2014. Coren Mitchell has also been a prominent poker commentator and was inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame in 2016.