Monte Carlo Casino
Place du Casino, Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday – Sunday: 3:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Dress code: Smart casual: men — jacket, trousers, dress shoes; women — cocktail dress or elegant attire. Sportswear, shorts, and flip-flops are not allowed.
License: Licensed by: Government of Monaco
Casino de Monte-Carlo — What to Expect from the Legendary Casino
Casino de Monte-Carlo is a legendary casino and a true symbol of Monaco, representing aristocratic gaming on the French Riviera. Located in the very heart of Monte-Carlo, this establishment is considered one of the most beautiful and prestigious gambling houses in the world, blending centuries-old tradition, luxury, and cutting-edge entertainment technology. Its majestic Beaux-Arts building, surrounded by gardens and fountains, attracts gaming enthusiasts and tourists from all over the globe every day. Here you can meet European aristocrats, celebrities, politicians, and anyone who appreciates real luxury.
The main unique feature of Casino de Monte-Carlo is the combination of history, architectural magnificence, and elite gaming opportunities. The venue is known for its strict dress code, special atmosphere, and the many legends surrounding its name. Fun fact: this is where famous James Bond movies and other iconic gambling films were shot.
History
The history of Casino de Monte-Carlo dates back to 1863, when, at the initiative of Prince Charles III and French financier François Blanc, the first casino building was opened. At that time, Monaco was in deep financial crisis, and building the casino saved the principality. Investments in the project amounted to around 4 million French francs (equivalent to over 10 million US dollars today). By the end of the 19th century, the casino had become a symbol of wealth and glamour, as well as a powerful source of income for the entire country.
Over the years, Casino de Monte-Carlo has been rebuilt, expanded, and modernized many times. In the early 20th century, the new Opéra de Monte-Carlo theater hall was built, which became the architectural centerpiece of the complex. After World War II, the casino gained the status of one of Europe’s safest and most prestigious venues. Today, the complex is owned by the state company Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), which manages not only the casino, but also Monaco’s hotels, restaurants, spas, and resorts.
In the 21st century, the casino underwent extensive restoration, introducing digital technologies and security systems. However, the main idea remains unchanged — to preserve the spirit of an aristocratic club where style, tradition, and attention to detail are valued above all.
Architecture and Interior
The Casino de Monte-Carlo building is a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture designed by Charles Garnier, also known as the architect of the Paris Opera. The facade is decorated with columns, stucco, sculptures, and a clock tower. The entrance square is surrounded by a park with exotic plants, fountains, and an elegant driveway, where luxury cars arrive daily.
Inside, the complex stuns with its opulence: marble floors, gilded ceilings, stained glass, murals, and huge Murano glass chandeliers. The gaming halls are adorned with frescoes on mythological themes, while the VIP area features genuine 19th-century artworks. The interior often serves as a set for movies, fashion shows, and gala receptions. A special place is reserved for the American Games Hall, where the most prestigious poker tournaments in Europe take place.
Gaming Area
Casino de Monte-Carlo offers a wide range of gambling options, both classic and modern:
- Roulette: French and European
- Blackjack
- Baccarat
- Punto Banco
- Poker (Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Poker)
- Slots: over 150 modern and classic machines
Guests enjoy spacious gaming halls, private VIP rooms, a separate tournament zone, and a dedicated lounge area for breaks between sessions. Minimum bets on roulette start at €5, poker at €10, while maximum limits in VIP halls can reach €100,000 per game.
| Game | Number of Tables | Min. Bet | Max. Bet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roulette | 12 | €5 | €50,000 |
| Blackjack | 8 | €10 | €20,000 |
| Baccarat | 5 | €20 | €100,000 |
| Poker | 10 | €10 | €50,000 |
| Slots | 150+ | €0.01 | €500 |
- Entry fee: €18 per person (includes a one-day pass to the gaming hall and complimentary gaming chips); tickets available at the entrance or on the official website.
Accommodation
Guests of Casino de Monte-Carlo can stay at one of the SBM hotels: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo (5*), Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo (5*), Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort (4*), or Monte-Carlo Beach (5*). Each hotel embodies French elegance, impeccable service, and unique views of the French Riviera.
In total, guests have over 600 rooms and suites at their disposal, including royal apartments, luxury suites, and private villas. Room rates: standard rooms from $600 per night, suites up to $5,000 and more. All rooms feature designer furniture, marble bathrooms, panoramic windows, butler service, and free access to spa and beaches.
| Hotel | Category | Rooms | Rate per Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo | 5* | 208 | $800–$5,000 |
| Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo | 5* | 277 | $650–$3,500 |
| Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort | 4* | 334 | $600–$2,200 |
| Monte-Carlo Beach | 5* | 40 | $1,200–$4,000 |
Restaurants and Bars
Casino de Monte-Carlo is not just about gaming, but also a true gastronomic capital of Monaco. The complex houses world-famous restaurants:
- Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse (3 Michelin stars) — French cuisine, exquisite wines
- Le Grill (1 Michelin star) — grilled dishes, panoramic sea views
- Café de Paris — brasserie, signature cocktails, desserts
- Blue Bay (2 Michelin stars) — Mediterranean and Creole cuisine
- Bar Salle Europe — classic cocktails, light snacks
Average bill per guest: $80 to $300, haute cuisine restaurants — from $200 and up. Reservations are recommended several weeks in advance.
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Average Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse | French (3* Michelin) | $250 |
| Le Grill | Grill, French | $120 |
| Café de Paris | Brasserie | $80 |
| Blue Bay | Mediterranean (2* Michelin) | $200 |
| Bar Salle Europe | Bar, cocktails | $40 |
Additional Entertainment
- Boutiques of world brands (jewelry, haute couture, accessories)
- Opéra de Monte-Carlo — the famous theater hall for opera and ballet performances
- Spa complexes, fitness centers, pools, and thermal areas
- Tours of the historic halls and SBM museums
- Gala evenings, music festivals, masquerade balls, and private events
Practical Information
- Address: Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
- How to get there: by car from Nice — 30 minutes; from Nice airport — 40 minutes; by train — Monaco-Monte-Carlo station
- Nearest airport: Nice Côte d’Azur (30 km)
- Best time to visit: April–October (high season), May — Formula 1 Grand Prix
- Tips: book tables in advance, follow the dress code (for men — jacket, for women — cocktail dress), passport required for entry, minimum age — 18
Why Visit
Casino de Monte-Carlo is not just a casino, but the embodiment of European elegance, luxury, and culture. Here, history, architecture, and excitement come together, and every visit turns into a memorable event. This is a place where you can try your luck at legendary tables, taste dishes from the world’s top chefs, enjoy Mediterranean views, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a true Monegasque fairytale. If you are looking for something more than just a game, Monte-Carlo Casino will be an unforgettable discovery!
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