The Oldest Casinos in the World

Casinos are synonymous with glamour, luxury, and excitement. While modern casinos offer cutting-edge technology and entertainment, some of the world's most iconic gaming houses have centuries-old histories filled with royalty, aristocrats, and famous gamblers. Join us on a journey to explore the oldest casinos in the world, where history and elegance merge to create unforgettable experiences.

Casino di Venezia, Italy – The World's Oldest Casino (1638)

Year of Establishment: 1638

Historical Context

Venice in the 17th century was a hub of culture, commerce, and indulgence. As gambling became increasingly popular, it was only a matter of time before the world’s first official casino was established. Casino di Venezia opened its doors in 1638, making it the oldest casino in existence. Located along the stunning Grand Canal, this Renaissance-era casino quickly became a favorite pastime of the Venetian aristocracy.

The architecture of the casino, originally a nobleman’s palace, remains one of its most attractive features. Visitors arriving by gondola are greeted by intricate frescoes, marble columns, and chandeliers, evoking the glamour of a bygone era.

Types of Games and Services

Casino di Venezia offers an array of classic table games such as Roulette, Chemin de Fer, Caribbean Poker, Black Jack, and Texas Hold’em Poker. You’ll also find a wide range of slot machines. Visitors can indulge in gourmet dining at the casino’s elegant restaurant and enjoy exclusive events that make this a prime destination for both locals and tourists.

Current Address & Details

• Address: Cannaregio 2040, 30121 Venice, Italy
• Opening Hours: Every day from 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM

Casino de Spa, Belgium – One of the Oldest Casinos in Europe (1763)

Year of Establishment: 1763

Historical Context

Nestled in the heart of Belgium’s famous spa town, Casino de Spa is one of Europe’s oldest operating casinos. Established in 1763, it was part of Spa's luxurious wellness scene, which attracted nobility from across Europe. The town’s healing waters, combined with gambling, made it a popular retreat for the aristocracy.

Though the casino was destroyed during World War I, it was rebuilt, preserving its historical charm while modernizing its facilities to match contemporary expectations.

Types of Games and Services

The casino features classic table games such as Roulette, Blackjack, and Poker, along with numerous slot machines. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the nearby spa facilities, dine at one of the fine restaurants, or attend events hosted in the casino’s event spaces.

Current Address & Details

• Address: Rue Royale 4, 4900 Spa, Belgium
• Opening Hours: Every day from 11:00 AM to 4:00 AM

Kurhaus of Wiesbaden, Germany – Aristocratic Elegance (1830)

Year of Establishment: 1830

Historical Context

The Kurhaus in Wiesbaden is not just a casino—it’s an embodiment of 19th-century aristocratic leisure. Built in 1830, the Kurhaus was a grand gathering place for European royalty and the upper class, offering them a luxurious setting for gambling and socializing.

Its neoclassical architecture, surrounded by scenic parkland, remains one of Germany’s most opulent casinos. The Kurhaus also plays host to concerts and cultural events, continuing its legacy as a premier destination.

Types of Games and Services

The Kurhaus Casino offers a variety of table games including Roulette, Blackjack, and Poker, as well as slot machines. Visitors can enjoy fine dining, relax at the Kurhaus’s luxurious bar, and attend concerts and cultural events regularly hosted within the grand halls.

Current Address & Details

• Address: Kurhausplatz 1, 65189 Wiesbaden, Germany
• Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 AM; Friday and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Baden-Baden Casino, Germany – A Spa Resort and Casino (1838)

Year of Establishment: 1838

Historical Context

Baden-Baden, like Spa in Belgium, was a famous 19th-century retreat for the aristocracy. Known for its thermal baths, Baden-Baden became a destination for the wealthy seeking rest and relaxation. The casino added excitement to their luxurious stay. Among its famous guests was Fyodor Dostoevsky, who reportedly found inspiration for his novel The Gambler here.

The casino, with its grand architecture and rich history, remains one of the most iconic and visually stunning in Europe.

Current Address & Details

• Address: Kaiserallee 1, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
• Opening Hours: Casino: Every day from 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM; Slot Machines: Every day from 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Types of Games and Services

The casino offers American Roulette, French Roulette, Poker, Blackjack, and Baccarat, alongside slot machines. Visitors can enjoy luxurious dining, a cocktail at the casino bar, and combine gaming with a visit to the nearby Friedrichsbad Spa.

Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco – Royalty and Glamour (1863)

Year of Establishment: 1863

Historical Context

When Prince Charles III of Monaco opened the Casino de Monte-Carlo in 1863, he transformed the fortunes of his small principality. The casino quickly became an exclusive destination for Europe’s royalty and upper class. Its architectural elegance, designed by Charles Garnier (the architect of the Paris Opera), added to its allure as a cultural and gambling destination.

Monte Carlo is synonymous with wealth and sophistication, attracting the world’s elite to this day.

Types of Games and Services

The casino offers European Roulette, English Roulette, Punto Banco, Blackjack, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em Poker, along with slot machines. Guests can enjoy luxury dining at Salon Rose or Le Train Bleu, and partake in glamorous events, such as the Monaco Grand Prix and high-profile fashion shows.

Current Address & Details

• Address: Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
• Opening Hours: Table Games: Every day from 2:00 PM to 4:00 AM; Slot Machines: Every day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 AM

Golden Gate Casino, Las Vegas – The Oldest Casino in the USA (1906)

Year of Establishment: 1906

Historical Context

Golden Gate Casino is the oldest casino in Las Vegas, founded in 1906 when the city was little more than a desert railroad town. While Vegas has since become the world’s gambling capital, Golden Gate Casino remains a relic of its early days. It survived key events like Prohibition and the Great Depression, while maintaining its historic charm.

Types of Games and Services

Golden Gate Casino offers Blackjack, Craps, and Three-Card Poker, alongside slot machines. Guests can also enjoy a vintage-inspired bar, live entertainment, and exhibits showcasing early Las Vegas history.

Current Address & Details

• Address: 1 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Conclusion

The world’s oldest casinos aren’t just places to gamble—they are pieces of living history. From the opulent halls of Casino di Venezia to the glamorous allure of Casino de Monte-Carlo, each of these casinos offers a unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and historical significance. Whether you’re a gambler or a history lover, visiting these casinos provides a chance to step back in time while experiencing the finest in modern gaming.