We’re going to take you on a trip through memory lane and tell you about the oldest casinos in the world. The oldest casino in the world was established in 1638. Gambling establishments have come a long way since then, with online casinos now dominating the gambling industry. At Casumo casino, you can still enjoy the traditional casino games and many more online gambling games that have developed in the last four decades. If you’re a gambling enthusiast and you’d like to learn more about where it all started, continue reading to discover more!
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The Casino di Venezia – Venice
In the 1700s, there were no lavish Las Vegas strips. We imagine that the Casino di Venezia was the Las Vegas of the 1700s. This is the world’s oldest gambling house, and it sits on the Venice Grand Canal.
The Italian architect Mauro Codussi was commissioned by the Italian nobleman Andrea Loredan to design the building. It was built in the 1500s and was initially a theatre which allowed gambling during intermissions. The walls were covered by paintings of Mattia Bortoloni and Palma il Giovani, most of which are still hanging on the walls today.
The establishment was first called the Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, and it served as a residence for Italian Royalty. Richard Wagner stayed there from 1858 to 1883. Venice city bought the building in 1946 and opened its doors as an official casino in 1959.
The gambling house has blackjack, roulette, poker, plus hundreds of slot machines. Dealers are decked out in tuxedos. Ongoing professional poker tournaments are also played at this casino. The casino is accessible by free boat shuttle services, and it also has a restaurant.
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The Casino de Spa – Belgium
Originally established in 1763, the building was destroyed during WWI. The majority of the building’s exterior walls were damaged due to fire. The building was reconstructed in 1918 and was completely renovated in the 1980s. The casino is a favourite hangout for spectators attending the Formula One race as it’s only a minute drive from the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. It offers many traditional casino games, including slots, roulette, craps, and blackjack.
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The Kurhaus Casino Baden-Baden – Germany
Designed and established in the 1820s, this gambling establishment is well-known to Monte Carlo patrons. The casino is located just outside of the famous Black Forest of Germany. The casino’s international reputation stretches as far back as the 1830s. It may not be known to many, but France had a ban on gambling, so gamblers would go to play at the Kurhaus Casino Baden-Baden.
The casino offers a unique and memorable gambling experience. The design focuses on opulence, and there are columns with neo-classical design elements in the architecture. The design of the columns is reminiscent of the architectural designs of Friedrich Weinbrenner.
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The Casino de Monte Carlo – Monte Carlo
The Casino de Monte Carlo is Monaco’s oldest casino, established in 1856. Apparently, Princess Caroline came up with the idea to establish a casino to prevent the Monaco state from becoming bankrupt. The establishment moved to new premises in 1863 and is the home to some of Europe’s most affluent and eligible gamblers. It was also the setting for the Hollywood movie Ocean’s Twelve, including some James Bond cinema hits. The casino’s the first to incorporate fine dining with gambling entertainment.
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Golden Gate Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas
The Golden Gate Hotel & Casino is the oldest gambling hotel in Nevada and was originally named Hotel Nevada when it opened in 1906. Shortly after that, the casino ran into some trouble when gambling in the state of Nevada was outlawed in 1909.
The establishment hosted some casino games that it could pass by the authorities by introducing small stakings and hosting tournaments paying in non-cash. When gambling was made legal again shortly afterwards, the hotel rebranded itself as the Sal Sagev. This wasn’t a clever move, and the name didn’t catch on. The casino hotel officially renamed itself to the Golden Gate Casino in 1955.
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Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas
This casino was established in 1946 and was originally named after Bugsy Siegel’s girlfriend. The Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino’s funding and establishment date back to organized crime in the 1920s in Nevada. There are plenty of far-fetched stories surrounding the gambling house. Ownership of the casino has changed numerous times, and it attracts many international visitors due to the casino’s esteemed history in organized crime.
Final Thoughts
Gambling and casinos have been around for hundreds of years. Every old casino has a tale to tell and simply must be visited. Casinos started in Europe long before cities like Las Vegas or Reno existed. European casinos present opulence and are still the top gambling destinations in the world. There are historical casinos all over the globe, except in Antarctica. So, start planning your European or Vegas gambling trip today!
