Did you know that Venice, Italy is the birthplace of casino gambling? It’s true. The very first casino was called Il Ridotto and it opened its doors in 1638. This pioneering establishment was located in Piazza San Marco and it operated until the Venetian government shut it down in 1774. However, it would reopen in 1959 as Casino di Venezia Ca’ Vendramin Calergi. It is one of only five land-based casinos currently operating in the country.
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While it’s true that Italy is home to hundreds of gambling establishments, the vast majority of them aren’t real casinos in the modern sense. Most of them are essentially slot halls with electronic gambling machines. If you want to enjoy a true casino experience with slots and table games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, then you currently only have 5 options.
It’s worth noting that Italian casinos are quite unique. For instance, dress codes are much stricter than they are at most Vegas-style casinos and some of them require an entrance fee. Sure, nowadays, when gambling activity has moved online, the question of dress-code is not so acute, and you can gamble at UK online casinos or at Italian online platforms even dressed in your pajamas. If you’re looking for online gaming opportunities, a 5€ no deposit bonus is a great way to start exploring without any upfront costs.
But if you are planning a trip to Italy and if you want to immerse yourself in a genuine Italian land-based gambling experience, you have to keep it in mind! Let’s go over your Italian casinos’ options. Of course, you must be at least 18 years old to enter these casinos.
Casino di Venezia Ca’ Vendramin Calergi
As mentioned, Casino di Venezia Ca’ Vendramin Calergi was once called Il Ridotto which opened in 1638. So, not only is Casino di Venezia Ca’ Vendramin Calergi the oldest casino in Italy, but it’s also the oldest casino in the world. It happens to be the biggest casino in Italy too as far as gaming options are concerned. Situated in a historic 15th-century palace that was once home to Italian royalty, the casino offers around 600 slot machines along with a variety of table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
If you are staying at a hotel in Venice, then it’s free to enter. If not, the casino requires a €50 entrance card. This gets you €20 in casino credits, a welcome drink, parking, and water shuttle service. Dress casual, but not too casual.
Casino de la Vallee
This historic Italian casino opened in 1947 and serves up a full spectrum of casino gaming options on a 3,500 square-meter gaming floor. It even has a dedicated poker room where visitors can play cash games and tournaments. If you want to take a break from the gambling action, you can take in some world-class entertainment such as concerts, comedy shows, and other events. The hotel casino also boasts a variety of dining options and a vibrant nightlife. You’ll be happy to know that Casino de la Vallee is always free to enter and the dress code is semi-formal.
Casino Municipale di Sanremo
Commonly known as Casino Sanremo, Casino Municipale di Sanremo is located in Sanremo which is in the north-western part of the country. The casino overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and it is an architectural masterpiece with an intricately detailed Art Nouveau design. Established in 1905, the casino features more than 2,500 square meters of gaming space which holds over 450 slot machines and about three dozen gaming tables. It also has a poker room that is a regular stop on the European Poker Tour. Casino Sanremo offers style, prestige, history, and plenty of fun along with dining options and entertainment.
Casino di Venezia Ca’Noghera
Established in 1999 and located beside Marco Polo Airport near Venice, Casino di Venezia Ca’Noghera is the newest casino in Italy. As such, it offers a contemporary design that focuses on comfort and amenities.
Measuring in at about 600 square meters, the gaming floor houses over 550 slot machines and about three dozen tables. Unless you are staying at a local hotel, you are required to pay a €50 entrance fee which gets you €20 in casino credits, a welcome drink, and a modern European casino adventure.
Casino di Campione D’Italia
Located on the Swiss border in Lombardy, Casino Campione sits on the shores of Lake Lugano. While the architecture is rather modern, the casino opened in 1917. It has a very colorful history which includes prostitution, spies, blackmail, and all sorts of other shady activity. Plagued by legal problems, mismanagement, and other issues, the casino was forced to close in 2018. However, it has since reopened and is currently thriving. Visitors have access to a full selection of games including roulette, blackjack, casino poker, and over 500 slot machines.
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