Unlike the world-famous gambling meccas in Las Vegas and Macau, Europe doesn’t have some vast dazzling integrated gaming resorts and enormous futuristic casino complexes. But then, did you know that Europe has one of the longest histories of gambling? The very roots of gambling as we know it today, from the games to the organized style of gambling entertainment in brick-and-mortar facilities hailed from Europe centuries ago.
A greater part of the classic gambling games that we are fond of today were invented in Europe, of course, except for the slot machine, which is relatively new to the gambling scene – thanks to a Bavarian mechanic in San Francisco towards the end of the 19th century. Despite being the cradle of casino gaming, the casino resorts in Europe still can’t match those in Macau or Vegas, probably due to Europe’s stricter view on gambling and online betting. Either way, thanks to the continent’s regulated markets, almost all Europeans are allowed to place wagers on casino games both in land-based gambling houses and on online platforms.
Given that the Coronavirus pandemic has led to a lot of restrictions on travel and movement in general, it’s one of the best times to take a shot at Amatic slot games and Evoplay slots at licensed online platforms to keep the gaming thrill alive. After the dust of the pandemic settles, hopefully soon enough, and people can go back to traveling freely, you can mark the triumph over the pandemic with a special visit to some of the oldest casinos in Europe. The top five destinations that should be on your itinerary are as follows:
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1. Casino di Venezia in Italy
Constructed way back in 1638, the Casino di Venezia takes the crown as the oldest casino establishment not only in Europe but the whole world. The renascence style structural design sits superbly on the banks of the Grand Canal in quaint Venice, and it can best be approached by a gondola or water bus.
Originally referred to as the Ca’ Vendramin Calegari, the castle was used as an upper-class dwelling place for most elites in Europe. Later in the mid-20th century, in 1946 to be exact, the City of Venice bought the property and went ahead to renovate it and reopen it as an official gambling spot over a decade later in 1959. At the moment, the casino is melded impeccably with modern-day gaming facilities and attracts visitors from every part of the globe. The casino hosts classic table games such as poker, roulette, blackjack, and of course, slot machines, meaning that you’ll definitely find a game that will tickle your fancy, as you relish the magnificence of the gaming spot.
2. Casino de Spa in Belgium
Another historical casino in Europe, the Casino de Spa, which belongs to Belgium, was first built in 1763. Perhaps, the casino holds the most fragile claim to being on Europe’s oldest casinos list. Nevertheless, it’s not due to its own mistake.
The Belgian casino resort sustained massive damages during the First World War, with almost all its external walls getting destroyed beyond repair. This was caused by a fire, and the casino had to be renovated in 1918 before going through an entire facelift during the 1980s.
The modern establishment, which is now run by the Casino Spa Group, provides every facility related to contemporary betting houses. It’s found a few kilometers away from the renowned Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, a motor-racing circuit in Stavelot.
3. Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco
The other renowned gambling entertainment complex, the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco, opened its doors to the world in 1856. Building Casino de Monte-Carlo was an idea of Prince Caroline of the House of Grimaldi, which was to ensure the Monaco state doesn’t go bankrupt.
Seven years later, Casino de Monte-Carlo has relocated to new grounds thanks to the efforts of Bishop of Monaco and the future Pope Leo XIII. Now, the land-based establishment looks more lavish than ever before and hosts some of the most skilled and well-heeled gamers in Europe. The casino is well-known for offering a collection of French Roulette, Trente et Quarante, Blackjack Baccarat, Texas Hold’em, slots, among other casino games.
4. Kurhaus Casino of Baden-Baden in Germany
Maybe Kurhaus Casino doesn’t enjoy the popularity similar to that of its neighbor, the Casino de Monte-Carlo, but its birthright goes back beyond the principality of Monaco’s oldest casino, created in 1824.
Found close to the German border with France, the Kurhaus of Baden-Baden casino’s initial success is all thanks to the French ban on gambling. Due to the ban, the French would flock to the casino from its opening as a gambling point in 1934. As we speak, the casino is still running and offers an indeed exceptional gambling experience. The stunning columns, coupled with the neoclassic design of Friedrich Weinbrinner, is symbolic and is highly acclaimed in architectural circles.
5. Salzburg Casino in Austria
We close our list with the beautiful Salzburg casino, which is housed by a 1930s castle that was designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, one of the most revered Austrian architects in history. Thanks to its Baroque–classical architecture, the casino has an atmosphere of royalty and true provenance that you’ll rarely find in other celebrated casinos.
Owned and operated by Casinos Austria Casinos International, Casino Salzburg ensures gambling fans aren’t disappointed in the slightest. The casino features an assortment of the latest slot machines as well as live dealer table games offering Blackjack, American Roulette, Poker, and Macau Baccarat. Besides, the slots games are linked to the Mega Million Jackpot System, offering bettors the chance to trigger a jackpot payout of over one million euros.
Even if you aren’t that big of a gambler, you’ll surely be impressed by these five historic facilities. They are not only a visual treat, but they are also located in some of the most prestigious tourist destinations across the globe.
