Since the beginning of time, people have enjoyed playing games of chance and placing bets. Gambling is widely accepted in some societies because members of those societies consider it to be an integral component of their culture. Archeological discoveries have provided historians with evidence that dice were used in ancient Egypt about the year 3000 B.C., and that a form of lottery was played in ancient China as early as 2300 B.C.
Later on, in the 9th century, the Chinese started to make use of playing cards, and by the early 1400s, the game of baccarat was being played in both Italy and France. When it comes to casinos, we now know that it is possible that the first casinos were created in Italy somewhere in the 17th Century, and some of the older casinos are still operating to this day.
People have the misconception that areas like Las Vegas or Atlantic City, where you can play slots and other popular casino games, must be the locations of such institutions. However, if you go back centuries, you will find that such locations were actually located outside of the United States. The following is a list of the five oldest casinos in the world, each located in a country or region that is not as well-known as the others and in which visitors can still go and gamble today.
The Grand Casino (Casino di Monte Carlo), Monte Carlo, Monaco
The tiny principality of Monaco is home to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious casinos, which also happens to be one of the world’s oldest casinos. Many of the wealthiest people in the world still come to the Casino di Monte Carlo, also known as the Grand Casino, to make their bets even though it did not open its doors for the first time until the year 1856. It’s possible that you caught a glimpse of this casino as James Bond, Agent 007, was placing bets against his enemies in the movie Casino Royale.
Kurhaus of Baden-Baden, Baden-Baden, Germany
A little more than 20 years before to the opening of the Grand Casino in Monaco, this gambling mecca made its debut as a full-fledged casino. Because gambling was thought to be prohibited in France, both of these locations became exceptionally well-known among tourists. A stunning building that was erected in the 1820s and designed in the neo-classical style that was prominent during that time period served as the mode of transportation for wealthy members of society as well as aristocracy as they journeyed across the border. Marlene Dietrich was a well-known gambler who frequently visited the Kurhaus casino. She praised the establishment, claiming that it was the most aesthetically pleasing casino in the entire world.
Crockford’s Club, located in London, United Kingdom
William Crockford founded the Crockford Club in 1828, and the Duke of Wellington served as the club’s sponsor at the time. Crockford, also known as “Crocky” among his colleagues, had the ambition of establishing a location that would offer an experience that was so exclusive that it would be fit for the aristocratic elite. Crockford’s Club is still considered to be one of the world’s most exquisite casinos. Located in the Mayfair District of London, it provides patrons with a gaming experience that is both distinctive and unparalleled.
Casino de Spa, Belgium
Another well-known casino from the Old World, this one dates back to 1763 when it opened its doors for the first time. It continues to draw customers from all over the world. The original building was leveled when the United States entered World War I. In 1918, just after the end of World War I, construction began on a new version of the Casino de Spa. The Casino de Spa was purchased by the Circus Casino and Spa Group in 2003, and the latter company is the one that is responsible for its ongoing operations. The Casino de Spa features a comprehensive selection of gambling options, including cutting-edge slot machines, traditional table games like blackjack, poker, baccarat, and roulette, as well as live gaming. In addition, guests can take advantage of the opulently refined atmosphere to indulge in delectable meals and lively entertainment.
Casino di Venezia, Venice, Italy
There is no other place on earth that can compare to the beauty and sophistication of Venice, Italy. Since the Renaissance, it has been one of the most thought-provoking locations for tourists to visit all over the world. The oldest casino in the world may be situated in the Cannaregio Quarter of the magnificent city itself, which is located alongside the Grand Canal. Even while you could probably get there by walking, the vast majority of tourists feel that taking a gondola or a water taxi is the most convenient way to get there.
The Casino di Venezia was established in the 17th Century, which is more than 400 years ago in the year 1638. It currently provides tourists with the opportunity to play slot games, poker, roulette, and baccarat. At the Marco Polo restaurant, you may indulge in delectable Mediterranean and Venetian specialties before, after, or even while you are taking a break from gambling at the tables or in the luxury of your hotel room. You might also opt to dine at the Wagner Restaurant, which is housed within the Casino di Venezia and is renowned for its unequaled level of grandeur.
It is well worth your time to incorporate one or all of these classic old casinos on your travel itinerary. Whether you are interested in gambling at these classic old casinos or if you just want to experience what casino opulence looked like throughout the centuries, it is well worth your time.