Monte Carlo is the most famous district of Monaco. At its heart is the eponymous casino, considered the most luxurious gambling house in the world for decades. This casino has long ceased to be regarded as usual, becoming an architectural monument and landmark steeped in history.
Monte Carlo Casino History
The first gambling establishment in Monaco was built in 1856. However, by the end of 1957, it was closed. The reason was simple - it was very inconvenient to reach. Later the road was built, and in 1863 Casino des Spélugues was opened; it had only one room. But in a few months, a visitor won fifty thousand francs the casino could not pay, so the casino passed into his hands.
It is unknown what his fate would have been if businessman Francois Blanc had gotten the casino for fifty years. He arrived in Monaco with his wife, Marie, and the dealer group. Blanc hired the best architects and artists of the time, including the famous Charles Garnier, the creator of the Paris Opera building. Working on the architecture of the building, he mixed several styles and achieved remarkable results.
- The first game room was finished in 1878.
- The main facade, sponsored by the French architect Jules Ace, was completed in 1890. The casino then had electricity.
- New casino buildings appeared in 1882, 1890, 1897, and 1988. In 1931, the casino Monte Carlo first had slots.
Casino visitors included famous personalities such as Alexandre Dumas, Baron Rothschild, Napoleon, Sarah Bernhardt, Chaliapin, and Caruso. The casino's history is full of legends and incredible events, as confirmed by many witnesses.
- On Casinoz, we wrote about Charles Wells, who managed to "break the bank" in the gambling house and glorified it to the whole world.
- Another widely known story is about a guy from South Africa who played roulette, betting the psalm he had previously heard in the Anglican Church, and won. This caused a wave of followers of this betting method, so the local pastors stopped singing psalms with numbers below thirty-six.
- Another story is about the Russian captain who threatened to shoot the casino with guns after losing the ship's treasury in roulette. According to one version, he got back the money; the other says he escaped.
Therefore, visiting the Monte Carlo casino, Players do not just come to try their luck. They are attracted to the opportunity to touch history and perhaps write their name on its pages.
Monte Carlo Casino Design
Monte Carlo is unique in its splendorous halls. Visitors first enter the spacious foyer with grand columns called l'Atrium. Hence, they can enter La Salle Garnier (Garnier Hall), named after the architect-creator. Here is l'Opéra Monte-Carlo (Monte Carlo Opera), where the best artists in the world perform. The Opera Hall dazzles with gilded statues, reliefs, paintings, lamps, and other pompous decorations.
Other halls of the Monte Carlo Casino include a pink and white living room, the lounge Europe, the Renaissance hall, the lounge American Games, and the Palm Room. They have gaming tables (roulette, poker, blackjack, baccarat, and others) and are decorated with incredible luxury.
In front of the casino, there are beautiful lawns, flower beds, sun terraces, and a fantastic park reaching the mountains around it.
Gambling in the Monte Carlo Casino
To enter the Monte Carlo casino, you must pay ten euros. Photographing and videotaping on the casino walls is prohibited. There is a strict dress code in some halls, so you can only enter in evening clothing. If you are young, be prepared to present a document certifying that you have reached the age of majority.
Monte Carlo, like other gambling houses in Monaco, belongs to the "Society of sea bathing." Its annual turnover is several hundred million euros.
Trying to convey in words the atmosphere reigning in the casino with nearly 150 years of history is meaningless. It can be felt only directly in this casino, which welcomes tens of thousands of players annually.
| Name | Soft | Return to player | ||
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|
99.78% | ||
|
|
99.7% | ||
|
|
99.69% | ||
|
|
99.65% | ||
|
|
99.6% | ||
|
|
99.59% | ||
|
|
99.54% | ||
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|
99.54% | ||
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|
99.54% | ||
|
|
99.33% |
Casino Games
The Monte Carlo Casino offers a comprehensive array of both traditional and modern casino games, catering to a sophisticated clientele.
- You will find classic European roulette and French roulette, often preferred for their single zero, alongside American roulette. Table limits for these games can vary significantly, starting from around €5 and escalating into the thousands for high-stakes tables.
- Blackjack is widely available, with typical minimum bets around €10, reaching much higher for private tables.
- Baccarat, including Punto Banco, is a popular choice, with limits similar to those of blackjack and roulette.
- Poker enthusiasts can find various forms, including Texas Hold'em and Omaha.
- The casino also houses a vast selection of slot machines, ranging from classic reel machines to modern video slots, with denominations from as little as €0.01 up to high-limit machines.
The iconic Salle des Amériques and Salle Europe are popular areas for table games, while the Salle Blanche and Salle Grimaldi are dedicated to slot machines and electronic games.
Other Entertainment Options
Beyond its renowned gaming floors, the Monte Carlo Casino complex offers a rich array of attractions and amenities. The magnificent architecture itself is a significant draw, allowing visitors to appreciate its grandeur and history.
The complex houses several exquisite dining establishments, ranging from fine dining experiences to more casual options, offering diverse culinary delights. For instance, Le Train Bleu offers gourmet Italian cuisine in an opulent setting.
The Opéra de Monte-Carlo, a stunning opera house, is an integral part of the casino building and hosts world-class opera, ballet, and classical music performances. Additionally, the complex includes the Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, a renowned ballet company.
The surrounding Casino Square is also a vibrant area, featuring luxury boutiques and the iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, providing further opportunities for entertainment, shopping, and relaxation.
