If you are going to provide entertainment to the masses, you must understand exactly what audiences you are trying to attract. That has never been a problem at the historic Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Owners and management are fully aware that the casino has become a playground for the rich and famous. It’s for that very reason that the Casino de Monte-Carlo has evolved into a true treasure and thing of beauty.
History of the Casino de Monte-Carlo
This is not just any gambling den. This is one of the oldest retail casinos in the world. Its roots can be traced back to 1858 when Prince Albert I commissioned the building of a new palace. With that said, it was Prince Albert III who conceived of turning the would-be palace into a luxurious retail casino.
To bring his vision to life, he hired François Blanc, head of the “Société des Bains de Mer et du Cercle des Etrangers à Monaco” (S.B.M.) to design and build it. With contributions from great architects like Charles Garnier of Paris Opera House fame, Casino de Monte-Carlo was brought to life.
Immediately, casino players all over the world knew this was a special place. Every detail from its elegant exterior facade to each of the dedicated gambling lounges and restaurants screamed beauty and sophistication.
They are only words, but let us take you on a verbal guide through this amazing masterpiece of architecture.
La Salle Europe
The La Salle Europe room was the casino’s first gambling lounge (1898). The elegant walls or “frescoes” are illuminated by eight (8) huge crystal chandeliers that hang from the rafters. If you prefer American casino games of chance, this would be the gambling lounge for you.
Salon Rose
The rich and famous get hungry just like the rest of us. The Salon Rose is a dual-purpose room. It serves as an elegant restaurant with a few really nice gaming tables thrown in for good measure. As for the decor, it’s a near-perfect replication of the dining room from the Wagon-Lits (Orient Express). The Belle Epoque motif is simply exquisite,
La Salle Medecin
This architectural masterpiece was named after its architect, Francois Medecin. The motif includes bronze and empire green colors with mahogany wood.
It’s noteworthy that all of the artworks found on the walls were contributed by a single artist. As a casino, this room is reserved for members only.
Les Salles Touzet
If art is your thing, the Les Salles Touzet gambling lounge belongs high on your bucket list of things to see. While the walls are lined with some of the most beautiful paintings you could ever want to see, that’s not the room’s main attraction. That would be the absolutely stunning stained glass roof that covers the middle part of the lounge.
Private Gaming Lounges
It’s noteworthy that Monaco citizens are not allowed access to Casino de Monte-Carlo. It’s not an elitist issue but more of an economic issue. You see, there are no income tax requirements in the country. What they don’t want is citizens taking wealth from the casino. Instead, Monegasques may opt for playing at online casinos where no deposit bonuses are plentiful.
Since the entire facility is reserved for foreigners, efforts are made to make sure every visitor will get the kind of gaming experience they want. For the high-rollers who prefer privacy or wish to entertain friends and relatives, private gambling lounges are available. They are luxurious and come with the appropriate staffing.
The Rules
When catering to the rich and famous, there is a high premium placed on structure and security. With that in mind, here are some rules of note:
- Gambling hours start at 2:00 pm and run until the evening is done
- Guest must be at least 18 years of age or older
- There is a dress code: Dresses for women, jackets for men, and no military uniforms allowed
- Private gaming lounges are available Thursday – Sunday from 4:00 pm until closing
- Tours of the casino are available each day from 9:00 am until 12:30 pm (entry fee of €10 per person
Visiting Monte Carlo
Casino de Monte-Carlo aside, there is a wealth of activities that visitors can enjoy in the beautiful city of Monte Carlo. The list of things to do includes:
- Guided tour of the French Riviera from Nice
- Walking tour of the Formula 1 complex
- Excursions to the Cote d’Azur
- Hop-on hop-off bus tour of Monaco
- Excursions among the yachts in the bays surrounding Monte Carlo
So if you have a little money and want to gamble with the rich and famous, a visit to the Casino de Monte-Carlo belongs on your travel bucket list.