From the gilded halls of Monaco to the chic glass towers of London., Europe has always been able to play with style. On the continent, casino gaming is seen as both entertainment AND culture.
It combines history and glamor – and millions of visitors cross borders to play, dine and enjoy the fun of Europe's famous gaming capitals.
Players may like their favorite online casino in the UK, such as Bally Beth but real establishments offer something more.
Casinos in Europe are not just about the games they play. They are about architecture, art and atmosphere.
Players come for tables but stay at luxury hotels, fine restaurants and world-class shows.
Eventually, a craze for global gambling began on the continent. The first real casino Venice Casinoopened in Italy in 1638.
Four centuries later, in many ways Europe still sets the standard.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
The casino in Monte Carlo is the glamorous star of European gambling. The Casino of Monte Carlo opened in 1863 and remains a symbol of style, wealth and elegance.
The Victorian music hall song “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo” became a first worldwide hit. The palace-marble atrium and Belle Epoque design are reminiscent of scenes from James Bond films (because they sometimes happen!).
Minimum rates are high and the dress code is strict. Roulette, blackjack and poker rooms sparkle with chandeliers.
Supercars lined up in the square outside. View of a harbor filled with superyachts.
Every spring, the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit passes by the steps of the casino. The streets are lined with gourmet restaurants and the entire city-state seems like a fairy tale destination.
London, England
London combines a number of historic clubs with modern luxury.
The city has more than 20 licensed casinos, including prestigious establishments such as The Ritz Club and Crockfords. These are exclusive members-only establishments built with privacy and class in mind.
The racecourse, located in bustling Leicester Square, is open to the public and full of poker, slot machines and cabaret.
High rollers stay in Mayfair hotels such as The Ritz or The Dorchester. Others head to the West End, where the nightlife continues until dawn.
Baden-Baden, Germany
In this elegant resort town, Europe began to play elegantly. The Kurhaus Casino, built in 1824, was once called “the most beautiful casino in the world” by Marlene Dietrich.
It still looks like a palace. Red carpets, gold leaf ceilings and halls of mirrors surround the roulette tables.
The city made its fortune from gambling and health. Modern visitors can still move from the casino to the thermal baths and to the romantic Black Forest that surrounds the city.
Cannes, France
Cannes is not just a film festival. There are two large casinos in the city. Croisette – Casino Barriere Le Prince and Casino Barriere Le Croisette.
Both offer high-quality games… plus sea views.
Sunny Cannes attracts a glamorous crowd all year round. Visitors gamble, dine, and then stroll along exclusive beaches or marinas.
It's the French answer to Las Vegas, but with much better food and fashion!
Estoril, Portugal
The Estoril Casino is located at the mouth of the river near Lisbon. It claims to be the largest casino in Europe.
Since its opening in 1931, it has inspired Ian Fleming's Casino Royale and subsequent films.
Today the complex offers gaming rooms, theaters, art galleries and restaurants. It attracts visitors from all over the world.
There is roulette, baccarat, blackjack, poker and thousands of slot machines. Concerts and cultural events fill the calendar.
Outside the casino are seaside villages, golden beaches and Atlantic surf spots.
Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech capital has become a center for gaming tourism. The city's casinos may be smaller and less glamorous than those in Monaco, but they are much more accessible.
Ambassador Casino, Rebuy Stars and King's Casino are especially popular among international poker players.
Prague's appeal lies in its accessibility and atmosphere. Drinks are cheap and cover charge is low.
Visitors can gamble in the evening and stroll through the Gothic medieval streets in the morning.
The Future of Target Gaming
Destination casino develop quickly. The rise in popularity of online gaming has changed the way gamers approach travel.
People can gamble anywhere, but still crave the physical experience of a real casino. Casinos are responding by expanding their offerings.
They become entertainment resorts. This means combining gambling with concerts, restaurants and art.
Spain plans to open new casino resorts in Madrid and Barcelona to compete with Monaco and Portugal. Eastern Europe is also growing, with Croatia and Bulgaria investing in casino tourism.
The number of tourists continues to grow. More than 70 million people visited casinos in Europe last year.
Analysts expect this figure to continue to rise. Europe's combination of heritage and innovation makes it unique.
From the Riviera to the Thames, Europe is still rolling the dice in style – and the rest of the world still wants to join in.
