Gambling has been part of social life for centuries. Long before modern resorts existed, people were gathering in dedicated places to place bets and play games. Those early venues slowly developed into casinos. Some of them disappeared with time, but some survived and adapted to whatever came next.
Today the gambling world looks slightly different. Many players now go online for convenience, where you will find all your favourite live casino games similar to those at any casino. But classic casinos still attract visitors. History, architecture, and atmosphere all play a role. You’re not just walking into a gaming room. You’re stepping into a place that has been around for generations.
Casinò di Venezia – Venice, Italy
Casinò di Venezia opened in 1638 and is considered the oldest operating casino in the world.
The casino now sits inside the Ca’ Vendramin Calergi palace along the Grand Canal. The building itself is centuries old and was once used as a royal residence. Originally, the gambling rooms were located elsewhere in Venice and were known as Il Ridotto di San Moisè. Later the casino moved into its current palace location. In 1774, gambling houses were shut down across Venice, including this one, but eventually the venue reopened and continued operating as it does now.
Visitors can now enjoy games such as blackjack, roulette, chemin de fer, punto banco, slot machines, and video poker while surrounded by historic Venetian architecture.
Casino de Spa – Spa, Belgium
Casino de Spa began operating in 1763, making it the second oldest casino in the world. It sits in the town of Spa, which then already had a reputation for its thermal baths and is still a popular destination for wellness tourism. Visitors came to relax and socialise. Gambling became part of that experience.
The casino didn’t stay open the entire time as gambling bans forced closures during the 19th century. Later, the First World War caused fire damage to the building. After reconstruction in 1918 and renovations decades later, the casino reopened with modern gaming options.
Today it offers poker, blackjack, tournaments, and more than 100 slot machines.
Kurhaus Casino – Baden-Baden, Germany
Kurhaus Casino dates back to the 1820s and quickly built a reputation across Europe. Its location near the French border helped a lot.
When gambling was banned in France, many gamblers travelled to Baden-Baden instead. Architect Friedrich Weinbrenner designed the building in neoclassical architecture, with large columns and a grand interior. Even now it looks more like a historical landmark than a modern casino.
Classic casino gaming still takes place, along with events such as live readings, dance nights, fashion shows, and cabaret.
Casino de Monte Carlo – Monte Carlo, Monaco
Casino de Monte Carlo is probably the most famous casino in Europe.
The venue first opened in 1856, and Princess Caroline supported the project as a way to bring money into the country. The casino succeeded in doing exactly that. Over time it became one of Monaco’s main sources of income. The building everyone knows now was designed by French architect Gobineau de la Bretonnerie and opened in 1863.
The venue helped shape the modern casino experience by combining roulette, craps, poker, and hundreds of different slot machines, with restaurants, live shows, and luxury surroundings.
Casino Interlaken – Bern, Switzerland
Casino Interlaken opened in 1859 and is located in one of Switzerland’s mountain towns.
Early operations didn’t last long. Gambling laws forced the venue to close shortly after opening. It reopened in 1883 but closed again in the 1920s due to legal changes. Switzerland finally relaxed its gambling ban in the 1990s and the casino then went through the process of getting licensed and eventually reopened in 2002.
Today visitors can play blackjack, poker, roulette, and electronic games while enjoying the mountain setting.
Golden Gate Casino – Las Vegas, U.S.A.
Golden Gate Casino opened in 1906 under the name Hotel Nevada, and is the oldest casino operating in Las Vegas.
Not long after, gambling became illegal in the state. During those years the casino hosted smaller games until the law changed again. Nevada legalized gambling in 1931, allowing the casino to fully operate once again.
The venue eventually became the Golden Gate Casino and still runs today on Fremont Street, seen as the historic heart of the city.
Casino Estoril – Estoril, Portugal
Casino Estoril opened in 1931 and has built quite a reputation. It’s located 18 kilometres from Lisbon in the coastal town of Estoril, known for its beaches and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.
During the Second World War, Estoril became a meeting point for intelligence agents from several countries. One of the visitors was Ian Fleming, who later created the character James Bond and according to some stories, the casino helped inspire parts of the novel Casino Royale.
It now includes bars, restaurants, showrooms, and even an art gallery. Visitors can choose from multiple casino games while also enjoying live entertainment and events.
Final Thoughts
Many of these casinos started as simple gambling houses, but over time they expanded to include more entertainment, restaurants, and modern gaming floors.
Despite the rise of live gaming, historic casinos continue to attract visitors. Some come for the games. Others come for the history. Either way, these venues will forever be part of the story of gambling.
By Gregory O'NeillGreg is a modern-day explorer with an insatiable love for travel. His passion for adventure has led him to far-flung corners of the world, where he immerses himself in diverse cultures and experiences. Greg's zest for life is epitomized by a continuous pursuit of new horizons and captivating journeys.
