Monte Carlo is synonymous with gambling. It is one of the richest and most luxurious places in the world and his home to one of the most famous and oldest casinos, the Monte Carlo Casino.
Built in 1863 the Monte Carlo Casino is one of the most notable tourist attractions in Monaco, visited by hundreds of thousands of people each and every year. Also within the same impressive building is the Grand Theatre de Monte Carlo, which is an opera and ballet house and also the headquarters of the Ballets de Monte Carlo.
The casino itself offers a wide range of games including Roulette, stud poker, blackjack, baccarat, video poker and over 1,000 slot machines. These games are offered in the European rooms, which are much like a normal casino but also in private rooms, though these are usually reserved for high-rollers who bet astronomical amounts of money during their time at casino.
Formula One racing fans will recognise the casino as the race goes through the streets of Monaco and passes the casino at turn four and film buffs will also be familiar with the décor, including the famous Pink Salon which has paintings of female nudes smoking cigarettes, thanks to James Bond films Casino Royale, Never Say Never Again and Goldeneye.
Although being in the limelight thanks to television and film, Monte Carlo Casino actually became world famous back in 1873 thanks to a British man named Joseph Jagger who literally broke the bank after discovering and taking advantage of a bias in one of the roulette wheels in the casino. There was also a song written not long after called “The Man that Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo” which was inspired by Charles Wells who broke the bank on many occasions during his first visit to Monte Carlo.
If you plan on visiting the famous casino then make sure you have your passport with you at all times as it is actually illegal for Monaco residents to enter the gaming halls. Also be prepared for the extremely expensive drinks which can cost upwards of €25 each whilst hotels in the area start at a bankroll busting €400 per night!