What do I need to know before visiting Monte-Carlo Casino?

It is an emblematic part of any trip to Monaco: heading down to the Place du Casino and taking in the refined atmosphere of the Principality. Iconic truly is the word – so here’s how to make your visit as smooth and as stylish as possible.

There are a few options in structuring your visit to the casino. If you wish you can choose between an audio-guided tour, a trip to try your hand at the casino tables or have a quick, free visit to the general building, with albeit limited access. The building houses the casino, several luxury stores, the Opéra and the Ballets de Monte-Carlo offices. The casino is open for tours between 9 am and 1 pm each day. From 2 pm until 6 am, gaming is in full swing. Given the current COVID-19 circumstances, the opera will not reopen until October 21st.

What can I see during a quick visit?

Anyone can enter the Monte-Carlo Casino building without showing ID to have a look in the atrium, which is admittedly grand in itself. As you walk straight into the building from the newly pedestrianised Place du Casino you will enter this atrium, and located on the left is a bar and aperitif area. You can also have a look into the Salle Renaissance, a slot machine room, for free. In these two areas, you do not need to adhere to a strict dress code. Children can go into the atrium and bar area, but not the Salle Renaissance. On the right of the atrium is the entrance to the casino, where you will need to follow some slightly stricter rules.

How can I join a guided tour of the casino?

Prices vary between seasons, but throughout the year it is €17 for adults to complete the audio guide tour of the casino. Included in this price is a drink, restaurant or game token available to choose. So, whether you want to try your hand at the blackjack table or sit and guess the tell of a high roller with a glass of wine in hand, the choice is yours. Those aged between six and 18 are able to do the audio guide tour. Each tour takes place between 9 am and 1pm, with last entry at 12:15 pm. At the time of writing, these tours are still suspended due to COVID-19.

How can I play at the casino?

Photo ID is required to enter the casino, and all visitors must be over the age of 18. The cost is €17 (or €14 if attending as a member of a group of more than 10). You must dress smartly to enter, meaning no shorts, sports shoes or flip flops to be worn at any times. After 8 pm, the casino does recommend a suit jacket be worn. Any currency can be exchanged for chips at the casino, so not to worry what kind of cash you have in the bank. Betting amounts range between a minimum of €5 and a maximum of €3,000. In private gaming rooms, the minimum is €10 and there is, of course, no maximum bet. You can also follow the French Roulette online.

What is the dress code for the casino?

  • Visit from 10 am to 1 pm
  • Bermuda shorts, T-shirts and sport shoes tolerated
  • Holey or faded jeans, tank tops, sweat suits, sportswear, shorts and beach dresses, running shoes and sandals and flip-flops for men are not permitted.
  • Opening of the games to people over 18 years old who are not banned from gambling, photo ID is mandatory.

From 7pm, the dress code smartens up:

  • Shorts, T-shirts, short sleeved shirts and sweatshirts are not allowed
  • Dark jeans, dark sport shoes or casual chic shoes tolerated

What else do I need to know?

Designed by Charles Garnier, a pioneer of the Belle Époque architecture adorning streets in Paris, the casino building was inaugurated by Charles III of Monaco in 1863. It once generated over 95% of the Principality’s revenue. Many casino goers will go into the Hôtel de Paris before they try their luck in the casino, as there is a famed statue of Louis XIV in there, which is said to provide good luck if you rub his horse’s knee. Although it is one of the most popular attractions of the Principality, no Monégasque citizen can actually enter or play at the casino. Even the Princely family themselves are unable to enter due to a law passed in 1987 so that croupiers would avoid seeing potential family members at the table and thus helping them win. Four films have been shot at the casino, included Bond instalments Never Say Never Again and GoldenEye, as well as Fast and Furious 5.

The highest jackpot took place this February 25th, where one lucky winner received €402,900 in one go.

Source: monaco-tribune.com

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