Old Casinos Every Gambler Needs to Visit at Least Once
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There are plenty of old casinos out there. But what is the oldest casino in the world?
It’s safe to say that today’s casinos are a far cry from the earliest official gambling establishments. The oldest land-based casino first opened its doors all the way back in the 17th century – and the world is a very different place today.
In fact, many modern-day bettors have swapped regular brick-and-mortar casinos for the best online casinos. With hundreds of options on the internet, it’s no wonder that millions of people prefer to gamble from the comfort of their own home.
That said, you can’t beat a good trip to the casino. There is nothing quite like playing your favorite games with a cocktail in hand and the buzz of fellow punters in the background.
So, join me as I explore the oldest casinos ever.
5. Golden Gate Casino
- Location: Las Vegas, USA
- Opened: 1906
- Active: 116 years
- Owner: Desert Rock Enterprises
- Total Gaming Space: 12,243 sq ft
You probably won’t be surprised to learn that one of the oldest casinos ever is located in Las Vegas.
The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino first opened in 1906, setting up shop on the iconic Fremont Street. More than a century later, the casino is regarded as one of the must-see venues for people visiting Sin City.
Funnily enough, the oldest casino in Las Vegas was originally housed inside a temporary tent hotel. Fast-forward to today – Golden Gate Casino boasts hundreds of slot machines, table games, and many other best casino games.
Golden Gate is also renowned for its famous dancing dealers. Of course, not all gamblers want to see half-clothed dealers dancing around on tables. But everyone’s different.
Many of the oldest casinos in Vegas are no longer functional, while others need a serious makeover. However, Golden Gate is among the oldest Vegas casinos that still operates today.
Naturally, Las Vegas is home to dozens of old casinos. If you want to visit Sin City and check out some of the oldest land-based casinos in the world, be sure to study our guide to gambling in Las Vegas before booking your tickets.
4. Casino de Monte Carlo
- Location: Monte Carlo, Monaco
- Opened: 1865
- Active: 157 years
- Owner: Societe des Bains de Mer
- Rooms: 108,000 sq ft
When you hear the question “where is the oldest casino?” the chances are that Monaco springs to mind. Although Casino de Monte Carlos is among the oldest casinos in the world, it only ranks at #4 on my list of old casinos.
Opened to the public in 1865, Casino de Monte Carlo is situated on the French Riviera. The historic gambling and entertainment complex has been operating for more than 150 years, making it one of the oldest casinos ever.
Boasting a whopping 108,000 square feet of gaming, Casino de Monte Carlo is among the biggest casinos in Europe. Granted, it is relatively small compared to the 10 largest casinos in the world. But it is huge in terms of old casinos.
The old-fashioned establishment is best known for its wide variety of table games, including blackjack, poker, baccarat, craps, and roulette. Still, gamblers can enjoy all the popular slots and video poker titles.
Casino de Monte Carlo has featured in several high-profile films over the years. In addition to appearing in James Bond’s Never Say Never Again and Golden Eye, it was used in Ocean’s Twelve and even featured in Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.
Gambling fanatics can’t visit Monaco without making time for the legendary Casino de Monte Carlo.
3. Kurhaus of Baden-Baden
- Location: Baden-Baden, Germany
- Opened: 1824
- Active: 198 years
- Owner: Aristo Entertainment GmbH
- Rooms: 2,200 sq ft
Forty-one years before Casino de Monte Carlo opened its doors in Monaco, the Kurhaus of Baden-Baden arrived on the map in Germany.
Located on the outskirts of the Black Forest, the building was designed by Friedrich Weinbrenner – a German architects and city planner admired for his mastery of classical style. To this day, the complex remains a work of art.
The Kurhaus, which is also a spa resort and conference complex, is laden with elegant chandeliers and historic artwork.
Not only is it among the oldest casinos in the world, but it is also among the most eye-catching.
Although the complex had a casino right from the very beginning, it only started to gain international recognition when gambling was forbidden in France during the mid-1830s. Since then, the Kurhaus has established itself as one of the most opulent casinos on the planet.
A trip to Baden-Baden is like diving into a world of old-school gaming. You will love this casino if you’re a fan of classic roulette, blackjack, and poker games.
2. Casino de Spa
- Location: Spa, Belgium
- Opened: 1763
- Active: 259 years
- Owner: Ardent Group
- Rooms: 16,000 sq ft
What casino has been around the longest? Well, it isn’t Casino de Spa. But the Belgian establishment is believed to be the world’s second-oldest casino.
Famous for its natural mineral springs, the city of Spa has been attracting visitors for many centuries. However, the city rose to international popularity when Casino de Spa combined a spa and casino experience in 1763.
Sadly, the city was devasted by fires in 1807. Since Napoleon wasn’t the biggest fan of Casino de Spa, he asked for the operation’s profits to be used as an aid for the citizens who had lost their homes.
A century later, the casino suffered damage of its own during World War I. It’s safe to say that Casino de Spa has endured more than its fair share of difficulties over the years!
Despite all the setbacks, Casino de Spa is still in operation today. Gamblers worldwide still flock to the Belgian city to enjoy the casino, eat and drink, watch a show, and relax in the thermal baths.
Funnily enough, Casino de Spa only installed its first slot machines as recently as 2004. Lovers of real money slots had to wait a long time to play slots at the vintage venue, although all the classic table games have always been available.
After broadcasting the first-ever live roulette event in Belgium in 2014, Casino de Spa founded the country’s first live betting studio a year later. It might be one of the oldest casinos ever, but it continues to evolve and move with the times.
1. Casino di Venezia
- Location: Venice, Italy
- Opened: 1638
- Active: 384 years
- Owner: Casino of Venice SpA
- Rooms: 5,000 sq ft
What is the oldest casino in the world? It’s Casino di Venezia, of course!
Believe it or not, the world’s oldest casino first opened its doors all the way back in 1638! Located in Venice, Italy, Casino di Venezia thrived throughout the 17th and 18th centuries – despite the country’s strict gambling regulations at the time.
The building was designed in the 15th century by Mauro Codussi. The famous architect designed iconic Venetian churches such as the Chiesa di San Zaccaria before establishing Casino di Venezia on the banks of the Grand Canal.
Boasting classical Venetian architecture in a prime location, you can almost picture the city’s elite of yesteryear sailing up to the casino for a night of high-stakes gambling and fine dining.
Even today, gamblers come from far and wide to get a taste of the oldest casino on the planet. The casino has always been home to table games like blackjack and poker, but it has recently installed around 600 slot machines.
There are old casinos – and then there’s Casino di Venezia. Needless to say, this timeless establishment is a must-visit for all casino lovers.
Final Word on the Oldest Casinos Ever
We have reached the end of my tour through five amazing old casinos. Hopefully, you can visit some of these famous establishments somewhere down the line.
Of course, Las Vegas is now regarded as the world’s most iconic gambling city. But long before the invention of Sin City, European bettors were trying their luck in classic casinos such as Casino di Venezia.
From Italy and Belgium to Germany and Monaco, the world’s oldest casinos set the foundations for the gambling world as we know it today.
Sure, it’s always fun to play the latest cutting-edge casino games. But the original casinos will stand the test of time.
I wonder what the earliest casino-goers ate while gambling? Follow the link below to learn about the top foods to enjoy at the casino.
