Going to a casino on a night out is one of the most fun things that you could do! There are casinos all over the world that have been around for several decades and centuries, and in this article, we’re going to look more closely at some of them. These casinos are all over the world, and we encourage you to visit some of them if you ever get the opportunity!
Without further ado, let’s get right into it.
6 Oldest Casinos in the World
6. Wynn Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas Strip, Paradise, Nevada, United States of America
Year of opening: 2005
Still open today: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia Commons
Wynn Las Vegas is arguably one of the most popular casinos in all of Vegas. It was built on the same site as a different casino that had since closed down, but after Steve Wynn purchased the site for his wife, he began the plans for its development.
An interesting feature of this casino is that it does not have a specific theme. It has a large atrium with several live plants and trees, as well as flowers that are changed regularly. The hotel attached to the casino is 45 stories high, and has over 2,700 rooms. It also has a golf course, 18 restaurants, a nightclub, a shopping mall, and an art gallery.
Did you know?
Wynn Las Vegas’s primary entertainment is a show called Le Rêve, which has featured choreography from the dancer Mandy Moore since 2023.
5. Casino Helsinki
Location: Mikonkatu, Helsinki, Finland
Year of opening: 1991
Still open today: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia Commons
The Casino Helsinki is owned by a government-owned betting agency called Veikkaus Oy. It was originally called Casino Ray, but its named was changed after the casino moved to a bigger location with more room for different games.
This casino is open nearly the entire year. It offers various table games, like blackjack, American roulette, baccarat, and oasis poker. It has more than 200 employees, and earns over 30 million euros every year.
Did you know?
Casino Helsinki is one of a handful of casinos in the entire world that donates all of its profits to charity.
4. Casino Estoril
Location: Cascais, Portugal
Year of opening: 1931
Still open today: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia Commons
The Casino Estoril is one of the oldest casinos in both the world and in Portugal! It was started right before the First World War, when the very first stone was laid by Bernardino Machado, the former president of Portugal. As time went on and the Second World War rolled around, the Estoril Casino became popular among royals, spies, and others involved in the war.
Over the decades, the Casino Estoril has changed hands several times. After José Teodoro dos Santos took over it in the late 1950s, the building was expanded and modernized.
Did you know?
Ian Fleming wrote his famous James Bond novel Casino Royale after getting inspired by the goings on at this casino during World War II.
3. Casinò di Campione
Location: Piazzale Milano,Campione D’italia CO, Italy
Year of opening: 1917
Still open today: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia Commons
Although this casino closed in 2018 due to bankruptcy, it reopened in 2022 and has been more popular than ever! It was initially founded during the first World War and stayed open for a couple of years before closing down. However, it was reopened during the Second World War and remained that way until 2018.
The Casino de Campione used to be owned by the Italian government, and the income it earned was enough to keep it running smoothly.
Did you know?
The Casino de Campione made headlines in 2006 when the prince of Naples, Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia, procured prostitutes for the casino’s clients.
2. Casino de Monte-Carlo
Location: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Year of opening: 1865
Still open today: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia Commons
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is one of the most famous entertainment complexes in the world. In addition to its casino, this complex has a ballet company and an opera house attached to it. It’s interesting to note that this casino is run and owned by the Société des Bains de Mer, which also owns several hotels, restaurants, and various other entertainment establishments as well.
Princess Caroline, a member of the Monaco royal family, was the person who came up with the idea of starting a casino. She was known for her shrewdness, and came up with the idea of starting a casino to prevent the family from facing bankruptcy.
Did you know?
The Casino de Monte-Carlo has been featured in various films, like Ocean’s Twelve, The Castle of Cagliostro, and even the animated movie, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.
1. Casino de Venezia
Location: Grand Canal, Venice, Italy
Year of opening: 1683
Still open today: Yes
Photo Source: Architectural Digest
The Casino de Venezia is the world’s oldest casino that is still in operation today. Located in Venice, Italy, this casino is inside a building that used to be a theater. The theater had a gambling wing inside it, and patrons were able to place bets and gamble during the intermissions.
The building itself was first built in the 15th century, and was designed by the architect Mauro Codussi. Before it became an official casino, the Casino de Venezia was both a home for the Italian royals, and also Richard Wagner’s getaway home. Later on, the city of Venice purchased the building and reopened it as a proper casino. It is popular among celebrities like Claire Danes as well!
Did you know?
The Casino de Venezia played an important role in developing the storyline of the James Bond movie, Casino Royale.
Conclusion
In this article, we looked more closely at some of the world’s oldest casinos. Some of them have been around for over 100 years and have contributed to popular culture in many ways! During our research, we were very interested to learn that the casino in Helsinki donates its profits to charity; this was our favorite fun fact to learn! If you’re ever in any of the countries mentioned in this article, we encourage you to visit some of these casinos.
