The Iconic Monte Carlo Casino: Monaco’s Luxury Gambling Landmark (2025)

Monte Carlo Casino is arguably the most famous and well known casino in the world. It is one of those bucket list destinations for casino enthusiasts, and has been for over a century. This casino has long been the haunt of famous celebrities, high profile guests, and wealthy individuals who want to spend their holidays along the French Riviera. It is also the birthplace of many a gambling tale. But you shouldn’t believe everything you hear about the Monte Carlo Casino.

However, there are also a lot of interesting facts about Casino de Monte-Carlo, some that even the biggest gambling buffs may not have heard before. The establishment is definitely one of the most important in gambling history. It has inspired many replicas and themed imitations, but none beat the original.

Why is Monte Carlo Casino So Important?

Monte Carlo Casino is not the biggest casino in the world, not by a far stretch. There are actually comparable venues in Italy, France, Switzerland and even Spain. But none have quite the same ring as Monte Carlo Casino.

Monte Carlo Casino is not the oldest casino in the world either, as there are older destinations in Germany and among the Italian casinos. The real essence of the casino is in its reputation, and the myths built around Monte Carlo Casino. It sits on the French Riviera, the play area of Europe’s wealthiest individuals, and the casino has established itself as a playground for the rich and famous.

It is not too dissimilar from the glamour around Las Vegas. But the noisy and flashy venues on the Vegas Strip are nowhere near Casino de Monte-Carlo in terms of class and elegance. The games, rooms, and overall experience speaks for itself, without needing to add integrated resort facilities or provide thousands of slot machines. Visiting the casino is just as much of an experience as playing at any of the roulette tables or punto banco.

Casino de Monte Carlo History

To understand the significance of Monte Carlo Casino, we have to go back in time and get a little context. The casino was created to alleviate the financial difficulties of Monaco’s ruling family, the House of Grimaldi. Though few could have imagined the evolution of the ambitious project.

Monaco Background History

The casino is located in Monaco, which is a microstate along the French Riviera, very close to the Ligurian region of Italy. The region has long been torn between the two countries. France annexed Monaco at the end of the 18th century, during the French Revolution. But when Napoleon was defeated, it was placed under the care of the Italian Kingdom of Sardinia. In 1861, the Italian kingdoms unified into one country, the Kingdom of Italy.

But Monaco was not integrated into Italy. It remained under French influence, but Monaco kept its independence. The rulers of Monaco, the House of Grimaldi, came from the nearby Italian city of Genoa. The house still rules Monaco to this day, and shaped the modern Monaco. Throughout its history, Monaco was an important trading stop between the Italy and France. But that was all put under threat in the late 19th century, when two towns broke away from the microstate, and the country’s economy took a hit.

Developing the Concept

The idea of opening a casino is thought to have come from Princess Caroline. It was borne out of the idea to help Monaco’s fragile economy. Her son, Charless III, was the one who recruited a team in 1854 to come up with the development plans for the Monacque casino resort. An initial casino was opened, but it did not find much success and fell short of Princess Caroline’s vision. She sent for the pioneering entrepreneur, Francois Blanc, who ran the popular Bad Homburg Casino in Germany. After accepting in 1863, Blanc moved to Monaco, and created the Monte Carlo Casino as we know it today.

Blanc founded the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer alongside Charles III, Prince of Monaco. The company would run the casino and own the monopoly on gambling in Monaco. The company is still running the show today, and it is also operates the Opera in Monte Carlo and the Hotel de Paris. After revising the plans, accumulating funds, and using Blanc’s connections, the Monte Carlo Casino was constructed and opened in 1865.

History of the Monte Carlo Casino

The casino became a huge hit across Europe practically straight away. In 1869 alone, the casino had over 170,000 documented visitors. The legendary gaming zone attracted many wealthy industrialists, American magnates, and even European royalty. It was also a hotspot for the expert gamers, and it was not long before the unthinkable happened. Someone came along and “broke the bank of Monte Carlo”. The first person to do it was Joseph Jagger, a British industrialist who noticed a bias in the roulette wheels.

But the most famous person to do it was Charles Wells, who broke the bank in 1891. Allegedly, he won over 20 rounds of roulette in a row, but just how he did it is the subject of debate. Nevertheless, these tales and exploits brought great attention to the already thriving Monte Carlo Casino. Another big event was the Monte Carlo Fallacy of 1913. The roulette ball landed on black 26 times in a row, with patrons losing millions of Francs because of the gambler’s fallacy.

The casino continuously evolved as the gaming trends and preferences changed over the years. By 1962, the casino added slot machines to their arsenal of games. Yet it always kept that authentic regal atmosphere, never compromising on the original vision. Throughout the ages, Casino Monte Carlo has always kept its status. Whether it is with the aristocrats, modern celebrities, avid gamers, or curious passersby, Monte Carlo Casino stands in a class of its own.

Profile of Casino de Monte-Carlo

The gaming venue was designed by Charles Garnier, who also designed the Paris Opera House. The grandeur of the Belle Époque halls, marble columns, gold accents and magnificent chandeliers has a real old world charm that is impossible to resist. Classy, opulent, but not flashy is the best way to describe the casino. The complex includes the Opéra de Monte-Carlo and Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, the latter of which was built in a 1910s expansion.

So Casino de Monte Carlo is not just a gaming venue. It also acts as a cultural hub for patrons. The venue has casino restaurants: Le Train Bleu, which serves authentic Italian cuisine, and the Mediterranean diner, Le Salon Rose. The Le Bar Salle Blanche lounge bar is something you would expect from a scene from a film set at the turn of the century. And then there is the Café de la Rotonde, one of the casino’s hidden gems where you can lounge and get some relaxation time. But if you want something a little more vibrant, you can hit the “Bond-like” Lounge Bar Salle Europe.

What Games the Casino Offers

The games at Monte Carlo Casino are scattered across the main casino floor, and there are some gaming tables and machines in Casino Café de Paris. There are 600 slots to explore, with machines accepting cash bills or gaming tickets. There are multi denomination games, and stakes start from as little as 1 cent.

One of the most popular games here is punto banco, the James Bond classic. It is similar to baccarat, with some rule deviations such as when Egalité wins, the bets on Punto and Banco do not lose, but they stay for another round. Limits can go up to €100 or even €1,000, and Casino de Monte-Carlo also has riveting punto banco tournaments. Naturally, it has the classic French game of roulette, which have become the thing of legend at Monte Carlo. The casino has English and French Roulette, and it also has live roulette terminals where you can play in with automated electronic wheels.

Blackjack, craps and Ultimate Texas Hold’em can also be found among the many gaming tables here. There are also poker cash games, but these are reserved for the high rollers, with table buy-ins typically ranging in the thousands of Euro.

Dress Code and Gaming Etiquette

You can enter the casino via the main entrance in the Place du Casino. The rules for entering are that you have to be at least 18 years and 1 day old. Make sure you bring an ID card, drivers’ licence or passport, as you will need to verify your ID. It is part of the casino’s security protocol, to ensure minors don’t gamble. But minors can visit the Atrium or Salon Rose Restaurant, they can check out the venue until 2PM, when the games start.

The opening times for the Monte Carlo Casino depend on the nature of your visit. The casino has tours that start from 10 AM and go until 1 PM, with or without an audioguide. From midday, the Salon Rose Restaurant and Atrium open up, and the casino game rooms and zones open from 2 PM onwards.

The price for entering the casino is €20 if you are going to play (from 2 PM onwards). If you buy the Casino Royal Offer, you can get either a €10 voucher for the slot machines or at the casino bar or Salon Restaurant. If you sign up to the Monte-Carlo loyalty programme, you can enter the gaming tables zone for free. But if you use your loyalty membership and climb to the Silver, Gold or Platinum Tier, you can gain free access to the entire casino floor.

Like many other esteemed gaming venues, the Monte-Carlo Casino has a dress code. To enter the games zone, you have to dress in smart casual attire. Shorts, bermudas, sportswear, flip flops, or swimsuits are not tolerated. And neither are jeans with holes or tears.

Appearances in Movies and Pop Culture

As the reputation of the casino has grown, it has increasingly cropped up in popular culture, specifically films. Most famously, the casino has staged scenes of James Bond films, Never Say Never Again and Goldeneye. It also appeared on the silver screen in Ocean’s Twelve, and the 2011 comedy Monte Carlo.

The high stakes gaming, and dazzling interiors have long inspired gamers and enthusiasts alike. And naturally, expanding into film and popular culture has only cemented Monte-Carlo Casino’s status as one of the most respected casinos in the world.

High Stakes Culture and Private Salons

Contrary to popular belief, though, Monte-Carlo Casino is not reserved for the affluent gamers. It has plenty of affordable gaming machines and tables with lower staking limits. However, if you do have a sizable bankroll, you will find plenty of opportunities to use it.

This casino has entertained wealthy patrons from the Kings of Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries, to Hollywood stars, world class entertainers and modern celebs. And the games are separated into characteristic Monte Carlo Gaming Rooms. The Salle Europe, Salle des Ameriques, Salle Renaissance and the Atrium are all open to low to mid range gamers. Salles des Ameriques and Salle Renaissance are dedicated to slots gaming, whereas Salle Europe is more of a table games room.

The Salle Blanche is an private gaming room, and it overlooks the sea. This is one of those spaces that embodies the spirit of Monte-Carlo high stakes gaming. Reserved for Gold status members and above, it serves high stakes table games, a private bar, and male patrons can only enter if they are wearing a jacket.

How to Visit Casino de Monte-Carlo

It is actually very simple to enter the Monte-Carlo Casino, and apart from the entry fee, you don’t need to overthink it or get intimidated at all. You will need to have an identity verifying document, and they are quite strict about which ones you bring. So stick to ID cards, passports or drivers’ licences only.

The casino sits in the heart of Monte Carlo, and it is very easily accessed. You can stay here at the 5-star Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, for the ultimate luxury. Or, check into the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort,  or Riviera Marriott Hotel. These are all 4 and 5 star hotels, but if you want something more affordable, you can browse the hotels south of downtown Monte Carlo.

Another option is to book a hotel in the French regions of the Riviera, or even to go further East and look for accommodation in Italy. There are definitely cheaper options as you go outside Monte Carlo, and even Monaco itself. And these are not very far from the casino by car.

Other Attractions Nearby

Besides the Casino de Monte-Carlo, there are many points of interest in and around Monte Carlo. From historically significant landmarks to the shops and even key points along the Riviera, you can plan an extended stay in the area and find plenty to do.

Cafés and Bars

The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is right next to the casino, and easily one of the most luxurious Belle Époque brasseries you will find. Whether sitting down for a morning coffee or champagne lunch, it is a prime destination. As is the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. Perched on the Rock of Monaco, this is the historical residence of the House of Grimaldi, and gives an insight into the history of the state.

F1 Grand Prix

Formula One fans will note that Monaco has one of the most famous Grand Prix Circuits. It is not located outside in some remote destination, but the Monaco Grand Prix is held in the streets of Monaco, in May every year. You will find it near impossible to book a stay at that time, but if by some luck you can get accommodation, you are good to go. Don’t worry too much about where you will see the best action – you will see plenty even from your hotel window. But for the real deal, it is best to look for some rooftop bars or towers, and get there in time to catch a glimpse of the action.

Exploring the Area

Beyond these, you can do some yacht-gazing at the Monaco Harbor and Yacht Row, and explore Monaco’s public beach, Larvotto Beach. For some window shopping, there is the Carré d’Or district, which houses boutiques from Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Cartier, and more.

The state is relatively small, but it is not lacking for things to do. You can access everything pretty comfortably on foot, or use the Monaco Bus Company for regular or express buss lines. There are also public elevators and escalators that go up the hilly terrain. Overall, you could easily spend a week, if not two, in Monte Carlo and have the holiday of your life. The casino is highly worth a visit, if not for gaming, then at least take the tour and soak up the atmosphere. Between lounging on the beaches and pampering yourself at world class cafés, Monte Carlo has a little something for everyone.