Casinos in Europe

Casinos in Europe – an overview

Even though nearly all historical civilizations have included gambling as a continual part of their cultures, one could say that casino is a strongly European invention. The first European casino, the Casino Ridotto, was opened in Italy in 1600, and during the 20th century a number of impressive gambling venues have sprouted up all over the European map. Here we will introduce some of these impressive statistics and take a closer look at some of the casinos that make the European casino tour worthwhile.

In our part of the world, one needn't worry about the lack of casino offerings. Yes, the market in New Zealand is somewhat constrained, but a glance to the south shows exhilarating gaming options that send thrills down the spines of many a gambler. Countless venues offer the requisite mix of gaming, dining, and entertainment that makes for an excellent night out. Indeed, many folks know to stop at a certain joint on the way to or from a night out in the town. Yet for every venue with a reputation that extends beyond threadbare postcards, several options within reach often get overlooked, flying under the radar of even the most casually informed gambler.

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Featured casinos in Europe

UK-Casino at the Empire

At Leicester Square, right in the center of London, resides one of the best casinos in Europe. The Casino at the Empire is the largest in the UK and offers an extensive selection of casino games. Its extraordinary location, friendly atmosphere, and 24/7 accessibility make it a must-visit for anyone who enjoys gaming and a lively environment.

Empire Casino is a large gaming establishment with a wonderful location directly on Leicester Square in the heart of London. You can easily reach it by underground train: just get off at Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus and walk a minute or two in the direction of Leicester Square, and then you will be at the Empire Casino. The interior is bright and cheery with a modern design. There is a very good assortment of table games, and the Casino at the Empire also offers a decent number of slot machines and video poker games.

Office hours: The casino operates nonstop, 24 hours a day, all year round. The only exception is on December 25, when the casino completely shuts down. The restaurants and bars in the casino also have easy-going opening times.

Game selection

Casino at the Empire is the UK's most visited casino, and as you can well imagine, this means that the game selection is really impressive. For poker aficionados, cash games and tournaments take place around the clock in the well-attended Poker room at the Empire. You can also enjoy three card poker, blackjack, roulette, punto banco and classic pai gow. If you're part of the large group of players who like to spin the reels, there's of course a really wide selection of machines – keep an eye out for the progressive jackpot slots!

We discussed poker tournaments previously, and if one thinks they might want to actually enter a tournament, our advice is to go to the casino's website, and click through to the section aptly called "Poker room at the Empire." There you'll find information about what and when concurrent tournaments might happen in the room, with the handy detail of knowing that Monday to Thursday they start at 16:00, while they begin an hour earlier, at 15:00, Friday to Sunday.

Price level̊

Visiting Casino at the Empire costs nothing. If you plan to frequent the casino occasionally, you can join the Player Reward loyalty program at no cost, which makes visiting the casino even more worthwhile.

Dress code and rules

As mentioned earlier, there is no snobbish or strict atmosphere at Casino at the Empire, so you don't have to be dressed to the teeth if you don't want to. The casino states the dress code is "neat and tidy casual," which basically means that jeans and a regular sweater or shirt are perfectly okay. Just keep in mind that the impression should be "completely and clean" - for example, there is a risk of being denied entry if you have holes in your pants, sleeveless shirts, sandals, or the like. Dress as you would have dressed for a visit to a decent restaurant and you are on the safe side.

You must be 18 years or older to enter the casino, and those who look under 25 may be asked to produce a government-issued photo ID, proving that they are of the appropriate age. Other than that, if you can have a good time without being too loud or too drunk, then you should feel free to enjoy the experience that is the casino.

Hotel

Empire's Casino is not directly next to a hotel, but with its location in central London, that is of no great concern. For in and around London, there are hotels in all price ranges, just as there are in any major city. From the 5-star Royal Horseguards Hotel to a hostel near London Bridge, there's a wide range of accommodations to suit any taste and budget. And as is usually the case in any city, the closer you get to the central area, the pricier the hotels tend to be. And no problem at all getting to the casino from any of them, thanks to London's excellent Underground system.

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The Clermont Club

Similar to Casino at the Empire, the Clermont Club is situated in a beautiful, central part of London. But that is where the direct comparison ends. The Clermont Club is a far more sophisticated and subdued venue, if I may use that term, in which to wager and dine. Indeed, they don't even use the word casino, opting instead to call the place a "Gaming Establishment." To be able to enjoy either of those pastimes in the Clermont Club, one must be a member, as the establishment is closed to the public.

For a pleasurable gambling experience in London, the city offers several dazzling choices. In another piece, we have turned the spotlight on the Casino at the Empire, the UK's largest, where a chill and open vibe reigns. If you want to roll in high style, though, you must pay a visit to the Clermont Club, a very private venue for gaming taste-testers, set in the handsome Mayfair neighborhood in the center of London.

Not everyone can join this casino, and not everyone who can would want to. There is a membership process that winnows the wheat from the chaff. Once inside, you get that noble atmosphere that I associate with all the good things in life. If you want to join the good life, get a membership in this casino. You can always send away for the application. If you want to keep it real, check out the website. It is quite something.

Office hours:
Sunday to Friday: 14:00 to 06:00
Saturday: 14:00 to 04: 00

Game selection

The Clermont Club, in comparison to most other casinos, is small, and this is, of course, reflected in the offer. There are 6 different tables to play on, and of course, the classic casino games are on the menu. Here you will find roulette, blackjack, punto Banco, and 3 Card poker. The fact that the offer is not larger is, of course, explained by the fact that this is a small club for members, who put more focus on offering a quality experience than on having as many tables as possible. Anyone who wants to play, for example, machines can't find any like this.

For a deeper level of detail on what to anticipate in the game, the Clermont Club is best contacted via their website. This is your most direct route to real-time, reliable information regarding upcoming events.

Price level̊

Contact the Clermont Club for current membership information.

Dress code and rules

You might think that the Clermont Club must have a very strict dress code; in fact, it has a rather loose one. This is 'smart casual.' Smart casual is a somewhat vague category, but it generally involves something like chinos, a long-sleeved shirt, and a stylish blazer, with no major sartorial oddities. If you're unsure whether you're dressed smart-casually enough, just call the casino and ask for guidance.

To play at the Clermont Club, you must be a member. Membership is most easily obtained through an application on the club's website. You must also be 18 years of age or older, and you must present a membership card along with a photo ID when you visit the club.

Hotel

Partly a Games section and partly a restaurant, the Clermont Club has no hotel directly connected to it. Still, considering the central-London location, finding a nearby hotel poses no issue at all. Many of London’s nicer hotels are located in Mayfair, where the Clermont Club is situated; but if you venture a little beyond this area, there are also plenty of affordable hotel rooms. Transporting yourself to and from the Clermont Club is equally problem-free, regardless of where in London you're located. We suggest simply searching the internet. A place to stay that suits your needs will present itself readily enough.

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Germany - Casino Baden Baden

This establishment, like many other casinos, is located in a historic health resort. In addition to the casino, Baden-Baden, located in southwestern Germany, offers its own variety of spa and nature experiences, and is a good destination for anyone looking for nature experiences and both healthy and relaxing pastimes. This casino is for lovers of live games who enjoy using an electric relaxation switch to go from the sizzling excitement of the gaming floor to the calm of an undisturbed spa experience, and is one of the few places in the world where channel surfing between those two states of being is totally legal and socially acceptable.

Baden-Baden is a health spa like no other, and as such, it's also home to a stunningly beautiful casino. The architecture and setting are so gorgeous that the place could easily be mistaken for a set designed for a romantic fantasy. And yet, this is a real city with a long history, going back more than 2,000 years, in which the likes of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe have gone and taken the waters. The resort is well known, but what about the casino? How has it fared since its own founding? And what does it offer today?

The Casino Baden-Baden is a fairly large casino with a central location. All types of players are welcome, but it may be good to know that it is not as informal as, for example, the casinos in New Zealand. However, it may be worth dressing up a bit because, on the casino's website, you can find more information—information that is, sadly, offered only in a German language version.

Hours: Sunday to Thursday 12:00 – 2:00, Friday and Saturday 12:00 – 3:00. Roulette: Sunday to Thursday, 14:00 – 02:00 Friday and Saturday, 14:00 – 03:00. Blackjack is available from 5:00 PM to 1:30 AM Sunday to Thursday and from 5:00 PM to 2:30 AM Friday and Saturday. Poker: Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8:00 p.m. to 4:45 a.m.

Game selection

Casino Baden-Baden covers a wide range of gaming options and really does offer something for almost everyone. Here you can find not just one but three types of roulette: French, European, and, of course, American. Blackjack and poker are also on the menu, the latter served up in Texas hold'em style, preferred by most players these days. Altogether there are 15 different tables, and if you like your games a little more mechanical, there are no less than 139 different kinds of slots and other machines to pump your coins into.

If you have a desire to participate in poker tournaments, you have that opportunity, too. Most Mondays and Wednesdays see the hosting of a tournament, but other recurring characters—think Joan Rivers or Lindsey Graham, but with more hands and fewer airbrushed cheekbones—also pop up on the tournament calendar. Want to know when the next one is happening? There’s a list for that, too—on the website. Not an English speaker? Then you're schnookered, because the site is pure Deutsch.

Price level̊

Entry to slots only: €1
Day entry: €5
10-card: €30
Annual pass: €240

Dress code and rules

Many terrestrial casinos now have a very nice, if not $off, dress code. However, when you visit Casino Baden-Baden, be prepared to dress up just a touch more. Do not be discouraged: It's just jacket and tie time, and that is all that you need to spend to access the table games. If you have the means, it is great to rent whatever you need at the entrance to the establishment. If, however, you only wish to play the slot machines, you do not need to don a jacket and tie; however, a touch of grooming and your best everyday clothes is what is necessary to go inside.

To enter the casino, you must be 21 years old. Regardless of age, a photo ID is required.

Hotel

Casino Baden-Baden does not have a hotel. The nearby tourist city offers a wealth of striking sights and an abundance of hotels in many styles and price ranges, so a stay here is no great shakes. Within a few kilometers of the casino, you can find pit stops that fit almost any budget. However, if you're looking to push the boat out, Finanzanlagen Baden-Baden (the casino's parent company) has an arrangement with the Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, so you can book a luxurious stay here before or after your casino experience.

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Monaco-Casino Monte Carlo

When considering casinos, one cannot overlook Monte Carlo. The official title, Casino de Monte-Carlo, makes it clear that this iconic establishment sits not in just any city, but a sovereign Principality, nestled amid the southeastern reaches of France. As far as first impressions go, visiting Monte Carlo's namesake casino is hard to beat. Its exterior is gorgeous enough that for many years, even before its current association with luxury and adventure thanks to our favorite secret agent, the Casino de Monte-Carlo had been one of the most famous gambling houses in the world.

Overflowing with opulence, the Casino de Monte Carlo is, in many ways, the world’s most beautiful casino, located as it is in the unfathomably gorgeous buildings overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It has, on more than one occasion, drawn the gaze of directors and cinematographers eager to display the good life. The casino's atmosphere is nothing if not luxurious, and that seems to be reflected in its visitors. Many high rollers frequent the tables here, but even if you can’t bring to mind an expenditure of 250,000 euros for an evening of entertainment, don’t worry. You also can feel at home in this casino.

Office hours:

The casino opens every day at 14:00, although certain areas might open later. While there is no set closing time, it varies based on what's happening at the casino.

Game selection

Perhaps you have already figured out that Casino de Monte Carlo is the classic casino experience par excellence. It has an incredibly rich offering of table games, such as roulette, punto banco, blackjack, chemin de fer, and so much more. Casino de Monte Carlo is also glorious in its offering of slot machines, with bountiful glory in the Atrium and Salle Blanche. And despair not, poker lovers. You, too, can partake in the casino's offering of prestigious rounds of texas hold'em ultimate.

Price level̊

Admission: €10.
Entrance to salons Privés: €20.

Dress code and rules

Visiting such a nice casino can feel a little scary, but the fact is the dress code is not as strict as you might think. It all depends on what you want to do! If you just want to visit the main parts of the casino and play most of the games, a well-groomed and proper outfit is enough—you don't have to wear the fancy costume if you don't feel like it. However, if you want to go into the more luxurious parts of the casino, be ready to suit up, because a jacket or suit is a must. And if you're at all unsure, just contact the casino in advance.

There is an 18-year age limit, and you must have an internationally valid ID card or passport to enter.

Hotel

Next to the Casino de Monte Carlo, there is an array of top-notch hotels. You can find reasonable-distance accommodations through the casino's website. We cannot stress enough the importance of booking in advance. Not only does this ensure that you will have a room, but it also greatly reduces the chance that you will have to pay a large sum for the room. For those whose travels have them on a set budget, check the internet to see which of the hotels can offer a price that won't break your allotted amount.

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Portugal-Casino Lisboa

In the middle of Portugal's capital Lisbon, there is Casino Lisboa, a newly opened and fresh casino that came into existence as recently as 2006. For natural reasons, this has become a favored venue for sun-worshiping gamers who like to mix their Mediterranean life with excitement in front of the casino tables. This casino is located next to several hotels and tourist destinations and has excellent connections for those who wish to explore the rest of Lisbon from its gaming floor.

Casino Lisboa is the first casino in Portugal to operate in an environment where "crown[]s of people" move about. Previous gambling establishments in Portugal had been situated right outside our classic tourist resorts, where you'd think the crowd they'd like to attract would be. By contrast, Casino Lisboa has been placed in an environment with "crowds of people going nowhere in particular," which perhaps gives it somewhat of an advantage as an establishment trying to attract a crowd. And, really, if you think about it, isn't the casino trying to attract a crowd more than any other kind of establishment? And isn't the casino trying to hang onto that crowd more than any other kind of establishment? By the way, that crowd better be a happy crowd, or else. Here are the important things to know about Casino Lisboa.

Office hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 15:00 to 03: 00.
Friday, Saturday and the day before red days: 16:00 to 04:00.

Game selection

Casino Lisboa can boast a really mighty range of different games. For those who prefer classic table games, we can inform you that this casino offers roulette, blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, punto Banco, and the Portuguese game banca fransesca, an exciting dice game that is worth checking out. Let's look at the supply of machines. We can note that Casino Lisboa offers breathtaking 1,100 machines of various types. The bet is on high-quality and modern games, and with B.E.T. levels from €0.01 and up, there is room for all players to participate.

Price level̊

We are happy to report that the Casino Lisboa does not charge any sort of entrance fee, which makes it all the more appealing to visitors who want to try their luck. Only the most dedicated attempts at winning will cost you anything. That said, if you plan on doing more than just wandering about in the Vegas-style opulence of its rooms, you might want to have some cash on hand.

Dress code and rules

At times, heading to the casino can have the sensation of being rushed—you fear that you might not be dressed correctly or that you're simply not fitting in. This is not an issue at Casino Lisboa, which has a calmly relaxed yet still somewhat upscale atmosphere and an overall permissive attitude towards most dress-related concerns. There are, however, a few simple rules regarding the establishment's dress code. Beach sandals are a no-go. Beachwear is likewise unacceptable. Gym clothes are right out, too. So if you want to fit in, you're better off appearing as though you're headed to your usual clean, well-groomed, and somewhat upscale restaurant kind of look. Sort of like this.

You must be 18 years or older to enter the casino. You must also have a current and valid form of identification. As always, it is a good idea not to be too under the influence, as well as to maintain pleasant behavior.

Hotel

There is no need to concern yourself with accommodation when you make the visit to Casino Lisboa. Nestled in the burgeoning entertainment center Parque das Nações, you will find a handful of hotel choices that place you mere footsteps away from the casino. Certainly, you can enjoy the hotel Tivoli Oriente and Olissippo Oriente, among others, located near the casino. But feel free to do an internet search to find lodging that suits your taste for entertainment and restaurants.

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General rules

Providing any set of general rules for casinos in Europe is challenging because they differ so much from one another. Take London as an example, and we see right away that there are vast differences between casinos, even within one city. The Casino at the Empire welcomes all players, but the Clermont Club has a much more exclusive profile and admits members only. Who goes in where tells us a lot about the dress codes at these places and the next two that I will mention. So, first basic general rule: do not even think of coming into any casino with anything resembling a homeless person's outfit, because you will be shown the door immediately. You want to look nice enough to get into a better restaurant or to have a nice evening out." Cameras and other electronics are usually not allowed, and you should not have had too many drinks inside the vest before your casino visit.

Play at casino online whenever you want

We hope that we have painted a good overall picture of the casinos in Europe and that we have given you some good ideas for possible trip destinations in the future. For now, we want to emphasize that you can always find a warm, thrilling and incredibly diverse casino experience right at your computer. At our recommended online casinos, you can find everything from live casino with real dealers to 21st century slot machines. And as a rule, the online payouts are monster-sized compared to what you might expect to find in any physical casino. You can play right now for just a taste of what could lie in wait for you in your future casino road trip across Europe.