Casinos conjure up images of attractive sounds, flashing lights, excited people, and the occasional jackpot wins. Before Las Vegas, which brought casinos within the reach of common people, casino gambling was a hobby only for the upper crust of society. European gambling goes back to the 14th century with the world’s oldest casino in Venice. There were casinos in Germany, France, Austria, and other places. In the medieval age, royalty and the emerging merchant class used to trade deals, negotiate, plan alliances, and even forge royal marriages.
Today, Europe has some of the world’s best casinos, like those casinos in Houston, New York, or Chicago in the United States, that attract thousands of players. These traditional brick-and-mortar gaming houses stand out in a world where many players have shifted to online casinos. Here are some of the continent’s most beautiful casinos –
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Casino di Venezia
Located beside the Grand Canal in Venice, this is Europe’s oldest casino. Casino di Venezia opened in 1638 and many even feel that it is also the world’s first organized casino house. It will be a fascinating journey through the city’s waterways to this historical palace and its casino. It is clearly one of the world’s most exotic land-based casinos. The building has a grand façade and its interior is equally impressive.
Casino di Venezia was closed in 1770 when gambling was banned in the country but reopened in the 1930s. It is a major tourist attraction in Venice.
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Casino de Monte-Carlo
Casino de Monte-Carlo, located in Monaco, was opened by the royal Grimaldi family in the 1850s to increase the family’s wealth. It is in a stunning Beaux-Arts-style building that has frescos, crystal chandeliers, tapestries, and gilded ceilings. The casino has featured in many James Bond movies like Casino Royale and Never Say Never.
There is a dress code here. Exotic cars are parked outside. But Casino de Monte-Carlo is for everyone. You can gamble even with limited money. The casino is also open to tourists from 9 AM to 1 PM. You can play online if you cannot visit physically. You will find a review of some of Europe’s best online casinos at http://fortunaua.com/.
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The Ritz Club
London’s The Ritz Club is an exclusive casino only for its members. It is located in the basement and former ballroom of The Ritz Hotel. The gaming salon is furnished with red carpets, tapestries, ornate domed ceilings, and chairs with velvet cushions. You will also find intimate private rooms, which are only for the high rollers. But most of the players in this exclusive house are high rollers.
Many celebrities visit this casino like Kerry Packer, Shirley Bassey, and Johnny Depp. There is a strict dress code for the members.
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Casino Baden-Baden
The German singer and actress Marlene Dietrich once described this as “the most beautiful casino”. It is indeed beautiful and steeped in history too. Designed by the architect Friedrich Weinbrenner in 1824, it has a stunning royal ballroom. Germany’s Black Forest where it is located is also scenic. Several events have also been held here including International Olympic Committee conferences, international chess tournaments, and NATO summits.
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Casino Wiesbaden
This impressive casino is also located in Germany. Opened in 1771, it is now in the wine parlor of the Kurhaus spa house. Like Monte Carlo, this casino too has a refined atmosphere, impressive crystal chandeliers, and cherry woodwork. Men have to wear a shirt and jacket. You can rent a trouser from the cloakroom but jeans are not allowed. The casino also has two bars.
Casino Wiesbaden became famous when the Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky lost all his money in 1865, which inspired the famous novel “The Gambler”. The roulette wheel where Fyodor lost a fortune is preserved in a glass case.
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Casino Barriere de Deauville
This impressive casino was opened in 1912 in the seaside town of Deauville. It has an elegant interior, a stunning façade, and luxurious amenities. It also has many entertainment options, including two theaters, a nightclub, bars, and restaurants.
Casino Barriere de Deauville was inspired by the Grand Trianon of Versailles. There are plenty of games inside like video poker, slot machines, and table games. The casino also offers big wins.
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Empire Casino
Empire is another London-based casino. It has a relaxed atmosphere during the day but it comes alive with lots of entertainment after dark. Empire Casino stays open 24/7. The games include blackjack, roulette, slots, 3-card poker, Punto Banco, and others. There is no dress code here – just smart casuals will do. The casino welcomes both beginners and seasoned players. However, you will have to show a valid ID to enter.
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Salzburg Casino
This casino in Salzburg, Austria, has a stunning Baroque architecture. Its palatial exterior is a feast to the eyes. It opened in 1934 but was closed during the Second World War, only to reopen in 1950. Since then, it has attracted thousands of locals and tourists. During the war, Adolf Hitler met Benito Mussolini here and later, President Richard Nixon and the Russian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky met during the Cold War.
Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Macau, and Singapore… these cities have some of the world’s most famous land-based casinos. But you will find many awesome gaming houses throughout Europe as well, and many of them are steeped in history too. Many of these casinos also offer plenty of entertainment options and a lot of awesome games. It is certainly worth it to visit them. The next time you visit Europe, include these places in your plan.
My name is Andrea Thompson and I’m a home based freelance writer. I’m 23 years old, married to my best friend, and mother to a wonderfully independent and opinionated 3 year old girl and step-mother to a sweet seven year old boy. I live in a tiny, little town in Kentucky, where I spend my free time fishing with my kids.
Writing has always been my passion, which I followed through high school, and for a while in college. Life happened, and once I discovered we were pregnant, I switched directions; opting for the healthcare industry because of the stability.
Finally, years later, I was in a place where I could leave the day job that never truly made me happy, and pursue my dreams. I’ve built, and am still building, my writing career from scratch. But, I’m passionate and I’m good at what I do. And, in the end, I can prove to my daughter that she can do anything she wants with this life.
