After gaming was introduced to Monaco (an enclave in France, near the Italian border) in 1857 by Prince Charles III, the Mediterranean principality flourished, becoming a playground for Europe's aristocracy and a name synonymous with glamour and wealth.
Monte Carlo Casino, one of Europe's oldest, dates from 1863 and was designed by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opera House. The classical buildings are set in formal gardens on a terrace overlooking the sea. There are several | restaurants, including Les Prives, which has a sea view, and the Cabaret, which offers live shows. The Train Bleu restaurant recreates a deluxe dining car of a train from the belle epoque era.
The sumptuously decorated gaming rooms feature marble columns, gilded mahogany and chandeliers fashioned from Bohemian crystal. Games include blackjack, baccarat, French and American roulette, punto banco, craps and trente et quarante.
Stakes start at 20 french francs for roulette, FF200 | for blackjack, and FF500 for baccarat, chemin de fer and punto banco. There are 280 slot machines with stakes starting from FF1. The casino is open daily from 12:00 to late. The minimum age for gambling is 21 years. Dress is smart and men must wear ties.
The revamped Monte Carlo Sporting Club houses the futuristic Les Palmiers gaming hall, Maona restaurant and Jimmy's disco. Le Cafe de Paris, adjacent to the main casino, offers poker, craps, blackjack and roulette, as well as bars, restaurants and cabaret shows. |
