From the most luxurious casinos in the world to the smallest gambling dens, people have enjoyed trying their luck at various gambling houses throughout history. But did you know that there are still some casinos that are operating that are hundreds of years old??
Join us as we list five of the oldest casinos in the world, where they are, and what you can expect to find if you decide to visit. If you are the type of stay-at-home and enjoy some of our online slots in the UK, we also got you covered!
5. Casino de Monte Carlo – 1865 – Monaco
Monaco is one of the world’s most lavish cities and is home to Casino de Monte Carlo, also known as the Monte Carlo Casino. This casino has more than 150 years of history behind it and has made its way into popular media, including the much-beloved James Bond franchise, as well as numerous big-budget Hollywood films. But this casino wasn’t always as popular as it is today.?
In the mid-19th century, the House of Grimaldi was struggling to generate enough tax revenue and needed a way to bring money in. This led to the birth of the idea of creating a casino to help fill the treasury coffers. Unfortunately, the casino got off to a rocky start, and it wasn’t until Princess Caroline managed to convince Fran?ois Blanc, a French entrepreneur and casino operator, to take over the casino that it started to become the iconic casino that we recognize today. As is typical of casinos from this era, this casino’s marble and gold gambling rooms are adorned with incredible murals, intricate chandeliers, and luxurious carpeting that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a palace.
When it comes to casino experiences that you can enjoy at the casino today, you’ll find great casino card games like blackjack, Texas Hold’em poker, punto banco, and Trente et Quarante. There are also table games like craps and roulette, as well as slot machines for those who want to spin the reels. And regulars get to enjoy all of this and more in the casino’s salon privés (private rooms).
When you’re ready to take a break from the thrills and excitement of all the incredible gambling games, you can enjoy a tour of the premises, which includes a drink, game, or restaurant token. Of course, you can also sit down to enjoy a meal at many of the nearby restaurants, such as the Blue Bay or Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse à l’H?tel de Paris. If you’re more interested in a drink or partying the night away, this city has plenty to offer, including the Lounge Bar Salle Europe, Le Bar Américain, Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo, and many more exciting venues! If you’re less of a creature of the night, you can visit the many spectacular spas, pools, and beaches around the city as well.
4. Casino Baden-Baden – 1824 – Germany
Casino Baden-Baden is part of the Kurhaus (the spa house) in Baden-Baden, which also includes a conference center and spa resort and is located near the Black Forest region in Germany. It was built in 1824 by the famous architect Friedrich Weinbrenner, but it really took off in the 1830s when France outlawed gambling. This made it an incredibly popular destination for those who wanted to cross the border to have a little bit of fun gambling. It still retains much of its original opulence when it comes to the architecture, such as the classical Roman pillars around part of its exterior and artworks, including the intricately sculpted statues and wonderfully detailed classical murals that are visible on the casino’s walls.
If you were to visit Casino Baden-Baden today, you’d be able to enjoy classic casino table games, including blackjack, poker cash games, and roulette. Those looking for a more modern gambling experience can also try their luck with over 140 slot machines, with some machines offering you either a Mystery Jackpot or a chance at winning a progressive jackpot prize.
When you’re ready to take a break from gambling, be sure to visit The Grill for incredible gourmet dining, join in the party at Club Bernstein, or shop till you drop at the casino shop, which offers a variety of items, including luxury goods and casino souvenirs.
3. Casino Wiesbaden – 1771 – Germany
There are many long-running casinos in Germany, but Casino Wiesbaden, also known as Spielbank Wiesbaden, is likely the oldest, first offering card games in 1771. This classic German casino can be found in the city of Wiesbaden, a town that is also renowned for its hot springs, and is part of the Wiesbaden Kurhaus. The casino itself has a neoclassical design with pillars that take you back to a bygone era and remind you of a Roman or Greek palace. The interior offers pure luxury with intricate chandeliers, wooden finishings, and beautifully designed carpets.?
Gamblers can enjoy three classic casino table games: blackjack, poker, and roulette. These games include some exciting variants to help spice things up, such as American and TouchBet Live Roulette or Omaha and Texas Hold’em poker. For those who prefer the allure of spinning reels, there are 190 slot machines for you to choose from, with up to 2.5 million Euros in jackpot prizes available each day.?
When you need to quench your thirst or are looking for something delicious to eat, you can do so at Joker’S restaurant, which offers a wide range of meals to cater to a variety of tastes.
2. Casino de Spa – 1763 – Belgium
Located in the city of Spa in the Ardennes region of Belgium, the Casino de Spa is housed in a beautiful palace with wonderfully curated gardens. This casino is one of the driving forces behind tourism in the region due to the sheer wonder and awe that the architecture inspires, as well as all the excitement that the casino itself offers. This much-loved casino has experienced some troubles throughout its history, including a temporary shutdown during the French occupation, as well as multiple fires that required the casino to close so that renovations could take place.
If you visit Casino de Spa, you can play over 100 slots, as well as classic table games, including blackjack, poker, and roulette.
Hungry gamblers can enjoy dining at Le Grill du Casino, which offers a variety of dishes from patés to fish to grilled meats.
1. Casinò di Venezia – 1638 – Venice
The world’s oldest casino is the Casinò di Venezia, a casino on the Grand Canal in Venice. The building in which this casino is housed was originally designed by the famous architect Mauro Codussi and is noted for its intricate Venetian architecture with its highly detailed pillars and direct access to the canal.?
The casino offers a variety of table games, including Fair roulette, French roulette, Chemin De Fer (a type of baccarat), punto banco, and blackjack. If you prefer slots, then don’t worry, as this venue has over 600 games for you to try out.?
Once you’re done at the oldest casino in the world, you can also pop into the Wagner Museum, which is located in the same building (although it is temporarily closed). This is where Richard Wagner passed away, so if you have an interest in classical music and its history, you can visit the museum once it reopens to learn more about the life and work of the famous composer. Visitors can also sit down to enjoy a meal at the Wagner or Marco Polo restaurants.?
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