Casino de Monte Carlo
There is no other casino in this world that embodies perfection and status as impressively as the Casino de Monte Carlo. This gambling oasis delights as a playground for the rich and beautiful, who come to the small principality on the French Riviera in search of their own personal fortune. The casino in Monte Carlo presents itself as a picturesque gambling paradise that promises a breathtaking mix of luxury and leisure for the "upper ten thousand".
The history of the Casino in Monte Carlo
Already in 1863 the Casino de Monte Carlo was created by the Grimaldis. At that time, the family decided to take this step to escape bankruptcy. Today, the casino is one of the oldest casinos in the world, closely associated with the name of Jules Touzet. After all, it is thanks to this French architect that this magnificent building was erected in the impressive Beaux-Art style with a pompous wrought-iron canopy. However, the undisputed highlight of the building are the two pavilions, decorated with domes, which surround the entrance area.
Public and private playrooms and game rooms are also decorated with arched windows, arched doors, balustrades, garlands, mosaics, statues and small accessories made of gold. Almost 30 years after the opening of the casino, the gambling hall expanded and was additionally enlarged with an opera house, the Trente Quarante gambling hall and the Salle Garnier concert hall. In the entrance area, two small towers with clocks attract attention in the casino. While one clock shows the time in Monaco, the other provides information about the time in Paris.
Reminiscences of the James Bond film "Casino Royale
The rousing Belle Époque-style architecture of the casino also served as inspiration for other gambling halls. One example is the fictional Royal Les Eaux casino, which is the linchpin of Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel called "Casino Royale" from 1953. Time and again, the Casino de Monte Carlo or other casinos in the city of Monaco can be seen in James Bond films such as "Golden Eye", "Casino Royale" or "Never Say Never Again". In addition, the casino in Monte Carlo was also used as a backdrop for the casino flick "Ocean's Twelve".
Jackets take precedence here
Before the casino doors open at 2 p.m., a large number of top-class Rolls Royces, Bentleys and Ferraris pull up at the main entrance. This is because a strict dress code applies inside the casino, with men being required to wear jackets, for example. Flip-flops and shorts are not permitted. In the exchange office, employees are ready to prepare suitcases with chips worth around 200,000 US dollars. These suitcases are intended for private gambling rooms. But the Casino de Monte Carlo is not only a good address for millionaires. Because also each well dressed "normal person" receives entrance to the play hall. Here, gamblers get their money's worth with a huge selection of games, ranging from French, English and European roulette to punto baco and trente et quarante, as well as baccarat, blackjack, chemin de fer, poker, slot machines and craps.
In addition, guests of the casino have the opportunity to play on the La Carrasse terrace with at outdoor tables or slot machines. Most of the casino's rooms are open to the public for an entrance fee of 10 euros. Only selected private rooms are reserved exclusively for so-called high rollers.