Casinos have been the hallmark of luxe gaming for centuries. While we might now typically associate casino gaming with megalopolises like Macau, Singapore or Las Vegas, the more historic casinos retain a unique sense of timelessness and elegance. Their marble columns, chandeliers and intricate frescoes have witnessed generation after generation of high society, while some have even had the privilege of hosting members of royalty on their blackjack and roulette tables.
Nowadays, of course, we have 24/7 access to games like roulette thanks to the rise of online gaming. Modern gamers can choose from a wealth of digital options, which have brought this nearly 300-year-old game up to date. While this is certainly a more convenient way to play, even the wizardry of advanced technology can’t replicate the splendour and whimsy of these iconic venues.
If you’re seeking a more unusual adventure in 2025, keep reading to find out about the world’s oldest casinos.
Casinò di Venezia, Italy
Nothing exudes timeless grandeur quite like Venice. Nestled on the banks of the Grand Canal, you’ll discover the Casinò di Venezia, which is widely regarded as the oldest casino in the world. Built in 1638, this Italian marvel isn’t just a gaming hub—it’s a Renaissance palace with a pedigree that goes back nearly 400 years.
Once a gathering place for Venetian aristocrats, artists, and travellers, today, the casino attracts just as diverse a visitor base as ever. Inside, expect to be greeted by centuries-old artwork, antique chandeliers, and velvet-draped rooms that feel untouched by time.
The casino maintains traditional European games, from roulette to chemin de fer, alongside contemporary slots. And, if you’re feeling extra, arrive as aristocrats once did, by taking a gondola ride.
Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco
No list of historic casinos would be complete without the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Monaco. This opulent gem, designed in 1863 by Charles Garnier (the architect behind the famed Paris Opera House), has been the playground of European nobility, film stars, and high-rollers alike. The façade is straight out of a period drama, with sweeping staircases, stately columns, and balconies overlooking the crystalline Mediterranean Sea.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a gilded interior that epitomises Belle Époque splendour. Polished marble, dramatic frescoes, and glittering chandeliers set the scene!
Even those indifferent to gaming find it hard to resist Monte-Carlo’s allure. Thanks to its proximity to the French Riviera, the casino attracts an eclectic mix of guests—celebrity visitors, high-stakes players, and curious tourists all make their way to its tables. What’s more, its gorgeous gardens are open to the public and the casino complex often plays host to concerts, operas, and other theatrical events.
Kurhaus of Baden-Baden, Germany
Nestled in the Black Forest town of Baden-Baden, which is famous for its mineral springs, the Kurhaus was designed as both a spa resort and a casino. Opened in 1824, it was a magnet for the who’s who of European aristocracy and the literary elite. Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky famously frequented its tables, later immortalising his experiences in the 1866 novel.
Walking into the Kurhaus feels like stepping into a 19th-century fairytale, with its red velvet upholstery, gold accents, and lavish murals depicting mythical scenes. You can try your hand at classic games like poker and blackjack, surrounded by the venue’s original opulence, before indulging in its luxurious amenities.
The Clermont Club, London
In the heart of London’s Mayfair sits The Clermont Club, a relative newcomer compared to its European counterparts but one that nevertheless has historical prestige. Opened in 1962, The Clermont occupies a Georgian mansion dating back to the 18th century, and was once owned by the Duke of Devonshire. Its reputation as a members-only club with strict entry requirements has made it one of the most exclusive gaming venues in the UK.
This site was originally the home of Lord and Lady Clermont, who hosted lavish parties attended by distinguished guests such as the Duchess of Devonshire, Charles James Fox and the then-Prince of Wales. Since its transformation into a gaming venue, the Clermont has continued to keep up a starry guest list with some of the world’s most influential figures having passed through its doors.
