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If you’re a fan of gambling, Europe has some incredible destinations for you to choose from. From Monte Carlo’s iconic casinos to Paris – birthplace of roulette – there are countless incredible casino destinations to visit in this incredible continent.
Let’s start with Venice, home to one of the oldest casinos in the world – located right on Grand Canal. Constructed in 1638, this casino remains open today for gamblers.
Monte Carlo
Monaco is one of the world’s premier and most exclusive gambling destinations. It’s a playground for the rich and famous that draws tourists from around the world.
Attracting many cruise passengers to West Mediterranean destinations such as Rome, Venice and Barcelona, Monaco can be a popular stop on their itinerarys. While some of its upscale shopping and dining may be out of reach for budget travelers, splurge-worthy restaurants like Metropole or Monte Carlo One are well worth the expense.
The Grand Casino of Monte Carlo is one of the world’s most iconic and grandiose casinos, designed by Charles Garnier in 1863 and embellished with marble, onyx, frescoes, and sculptures.
Monaco’s oldest casino, La Carte Blanche, is a must-visit when in town. With two gaming rooms – Salle Europeene and Salle Blanche – for roulette, poker and slots players to enjoy, the entry fee to this establishment is 10 euros with visitors over 18 years of age required to enter.
Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden, Germany’s Black Forest spa town, is a well-known destination for gambling and relaxation. Marlene Dietrich once described its casino in the neoclassical Kurhaus as “the most beautiful in the world”, and it continues to entice visitors with its sumptuous decor, thick red carpets, massive crystal chandeliers, gilded gold fixtures and mirrors.
For centuries, the Kurhaus has been a gathering place for the elite. When Paris banned casinos in the 19th century, French royalty and other titled gentlemen would flock to Baden-Baden to soak in its thermal springs and play games of chance at this grand establishment.
Nowadays, the casino attracts mostly tourists and middle class Europeans. Particularly Russian gamblers enjoy visiting Baden-Baden – Fyodor Dostoevsky even based his novel The Gambler on his visit there in the late 19th century!
Malta
Malta has long been a top choice for online casinos due to its low taxation rates and liberal gambling laws. This has made Malta home to some of the world’s most renowned casinos and gambling operators.
Malta’s strong regulatory regime has helped move the industry away from Caribbean microstates like Antigua and Curacao towards Europe’s EUR24.5 billion online gaming sector. But Malta’s success as a gambling jurisdiction has drawn scrutiny; Reuters reported that Maltese regulators have demonstrated a lack of commitment to combating money laundering and other financial crimes.
Maltese site operators who rely heavily on international customers – particularly those in the United States – face a potential dilemma. That’s why the Maltese Gaming Authority (MGA) has taken an active stance for better regulation. Recently, it appointed a 30-year-old lawyer as its Chief Compliance Officer; further encouraging cooperation with other EU regulators.
Riga
Riga, Latvia’s capital city, is one of Europe’s busiest casino destinations. It boasts five brick-and-mortar casinos (plus slot halls) regulated by Lotteries and Gambling Supervision Inspection.
Vecriga’s UNESCO-listed old town is an architectural delight, particularly for those drawn to Art Nouveau style buildings. Many of its buildings date back to the early 20th century, making Vecriga an ideal location to spend some time exploring historic sites and admiring stunning architecture.
On a sunny day, this area is an ideal place for people-watching as locals go about their business – from old babushka ladies to young girls wearing cutting-edge fashion. Families can often be seen strolling together too, making for an idyllic spot to visit on a sunny day.
Central Market is a must-visit, boasting five massive Zeppelin hangars selling all manner of food and drink. It’s an ideal opportunity to sample some Latvian specialties as well as pick up gifts for loved ones.
