Of all the Monegasque casinos, it’s the Casino Café de Paris that is arguably its most famous. Situated in the renowned Place du Casino (Casino Square), the Café de Paris’ history is as old as Monte Carlo itself.

A casino steeped in history

Casino Café de Paris’ history dates all the way back to the very founding of Monte Carlo itself. Around the mid-Nineteenth Century, Monaco’s economic problems and the financial legacy of centuries of war had left it and the ruling Grimaldi family almost bankrupt.

In order to rejuvenate the principality’s economy, Prince Charles III of Monaco authorized the construction of Monaco’s first casinos in 1856.

Several conspiring factors ensured the early casinos struggled. So to improve things, the Grimaldis turned to casino magnate François Blanc for assistance. This partnership saw the birth of the now famous “Société des Bains de Mer” in Monaco (SBM).

In 1864, Blanc founded the Hotel de Paris. Then in July 1865, the Casino Café de Paris was opened. Both were located on the Place du Casino, where they remain alongside le Casino de Monte Carlo.

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Building on his knowhow and with strong financial backing, Blanc accomplished what his predecessors had failed to do. In less than three years, he had constructed a casino facility whose luxury and elegance was unrivalled.

The venture’s success was assured when, in 1856, the railway line between Nice and Ventimiglia opened. This enabled Europe’s upper classes to get to and from Monaco with ease.

Finally, in 1866, the whole area was renamed “Monte Carlo” (or “Mount Charles” in English) in honor of Prince Charles III.

A new world in an old one

This dedication to lavish entertainment and uncompromising luxury is something Casino Café de Paris still takes to heart to this day. But while it’s history is as long as it is rich, both Casino Café de Paris and the Hotel de Paris are thoroughly modern.

The casino hall is styled to a futuristic theme. The huge illuminated arches change color depending on the time of day it is, subtly changing the atmosphere. And naturally, all the slot and table games you’d expect to find in a modern casino are all present and correct.

Slot machine heaven

Casino Café de Paris may offer a wide selection of games, but it is arguably its slot machines for which it is most famous. Despite stiff competition, it has the largest collection of slot machines anywhere on the Riviera.

Within its walls you will find almost 500 slot machines of differing kinds. These range from real mechanical roller machines, to elaborate multi-casino progressives with jackpots that start at $650,000.

The range of machines on offer is continually changing, with a steady stream of new machines coming in. Many of these are based on popular movie and entertainment licenses (such as Batman, Star Wars, and even American Idol). Indeed, some of them are exclusive to the casino itself – meaning that Café de Paris is able to offer experiences that are literally unlike any other on the planet!

The fact you’re playing in Monte Carlo also brings advantages with it. Payback ratios are very generous in Monte Carlo, and there are no winning taxes. On average, a jackpot is won every seven minutes in Monte Carlo. Such jackpots are typically around $1,000, and over $280,000 is typically paid out in jackpots in the principality each day.

It also operates regular mystery jackpot weekends. These involve the 140 networked slot machines that are available in the Casino Café de Paris and Sun Casino, and operates alongside the regular jackpots available on these machines. So even if you don’t win the big cash prize, you could still win points on your Privilege 777 card, a bottle of fine champagne, or one of the other many gifts on offer.

If you’re a slots fan then, a trip to Monte Carlo and the Casino Café de Paris is essential.

More than machines

However, there’s more to Casino Café de Paris than simply slots. The casino itself offers a number of different games, such as craps, American roulette and blackjack.

Nor are these games reserved for the rich and famous. Despite its glamorous surroundings, you’ll find many of its tables cater for those on less extravagant budgets. Minimum wagers for craps and roulette are €10 ($13), and for roulette €2 (less than $3).

Its central location ensure Casino Café de Paris is also at the heart of Monaco’s cultural life as well. Many of Monte Carlo’s famous events, such as the Monte Carlo Jazz Festival, are celebrated in and around the casino.

In keeping with its name, the Café de Paris is also renowned for its fine dining and elegant bars. Its Brasserie 1900 encapsulates all the charm of a Parisian bistro from the turn of the last century. Its menus cover everything from fresh seafood to delicious deserts, and also features an all-year outdoor terrace, and function rooms.

By contrast, the Bar des Jeux is anything but classical. Featuring modern styling (including multicolored lights), it’s designed to be the ideal meeting place to meet up before a night’s gambling, or a great place to celebrate a big win.

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The casino on your hotel doorstep

Although the Casino Café de Paris itself does not have a hotel, it is mere steps away from the Hotel de Paris. As with the Café de Paris, the hotel knows how to pamper its guests.

The hotel boasts some of the finest features of any of the hotels found on the Riviera:

• 182 rooms, including 37 junior suites, 41 suites, and two diamond suites.
• Four first-rate restaurants.
• Le Bar Americain, a jazz bar with views of the sea.
• A hair salon and luxury boutiques.
• One of the best-stocked wine cellars in the world, with almost 600,000 bottles.
• A grand function room, and eight fully-equipped meeting rooms.
• Direct access to the world-famous Les Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, Monte Carlo’s most luxurious spa, swimming pool and fitness centre.

The restaurants are certainly of note. For those who wish to dine in luxury, La Salle Empire, and le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse (holder of three Michelin stars), offer a wide selection of elegant food. Other dining options Le Grill, and the Cote Jardain buffet and terrace.

If there is one downside to staying and dining at the Hotel de Paris, it’s the cost. But as the old adage goes, quality has its price.

Casino Café de Paris and Hotel de Paris: facts and figures

Finally, here is an overview of the Casino Café de Paris and Hotel de Paris:

• Address: Casino Café de Paris, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
• Total gaming space: 10,000m² (108,000sq ft)
• Opened: July 1865
• Total number of hotel rooms: 182
• Parent company: Société des Bains de Mer
• Total number of slots: 500 (approx.)
• Smoking: no

For further information, including how to book your stay at the hotel, please visit the Casino Café de Paris Monte Carlo’s official website.

Grand Casino Monte Carlo

Few locations, save for the Princes Palace itself, encapsulate the glamour and luxury of Monaco better than the Casino de Monte Carlo. Dominating the Place du Casino, from its breathtaking gardens to its stunning entertainment, gambling and dining facilities, the Casino de Monte Carlo embodies all that Monte Carlo is associated with.

A milestone in Monaco’s history

As with the Casino Café de Paris, Le Casino de Monte Carlo’s history is as old as Monte Carlo itself. Le Casino de Monte Carlo wasn’t the first Monegasque casino, the first of which opened in 1856. However, it was one of the first to be successful.

Le Casino de Monte Carlo was designed by famous architect Charles Garnier. Garnier’s other work includes the famous Paris Opera, and the casino was designed in the same fine arts style

In a bid to avoid the failings of Monaco’s earlier casinos, the ruling Grimaldi family recruited Francois Blanc to run it. Blanc already had considerable experience as a successful casino operator in Bad Homburg, and was eventually persuaded to come to Monaco to set up a similar operation in Monaco.

Under the guidance of Blanc and the Societe des Bains de Mer, the new casino opened its doors in 1863, and success wasn’t far behind. This was especially true once Monaco’s road and rail infrastructure had been improved, and luxury hotels had been established. This enabled Europe’s upper-class elite to not just travel to Monaco with ease, but also to relax in absolute comfort once they’d arrived.

Le Casino de Monte Carlo was also one of the first casinos to understand the need to embrace other forms of entertainment. Its lavish gardens have been famous for many generations, and in 1910, a theatre was added.

Le Casino de Monte Carlo has played a pivotal role in establishing Monte Carlo’s long-held reputation as Europe’s premier gambling resort – the playground of the rich – and driving its economy forward. Up until recently, the casino was the biggest single source of income for the Grimaldi family.

Le Casino de Monte Carlo and its casino games

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Befitting one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious casinos, Le Casino de Monte Carlo features a wide array of games. What Casino Café de Paris is to slots, so Le Casino de Monte Carlo is to table games.

The casino is split into different salons, each catering for a different type of game. n the Salon Europe, you’ll find roulette, baccarat, trente & quarante and poker. The Salle des Ameriques offers blackjack, while the Atrium and Salle Blanche offer slots.

In summer 2011, the casino opened its much vaunted Terrace. This, almost uniquely, allows players to play all the casino’s table games outside. And with spectacular views of the Mediterranean on offer, it certainly beats staring at a casino wall!

The lap of luxury

Having been designed by one of the most celebrated architects of the time, it should come as no surprise that Le Casino de Monte Carlo offers a truly stunning experience. Along with the building itself, many of its great rooms are celebrated showcases of architectural mastery.

These include the Empire Gallery, The Renaissance salon, the Atrium, the white room, the Hall of the Americas and the Cabaret. Nor are these rooms simply exhibits – most of them are still being used either for entertainment, dining or gambling. Meaning that no matter what you’re undertaking, you’ll always find yourself in stunning surroundings.

One thing the casino does not offer itself is its own hotel facilities. However, on la Place du Casino you will also find the stunning Hotel de Paris. Not only is it location perfect, it also knows how to look after its guest. The hotel features:

• 182 rooms (including 37 junior suites, 41 suites, and two diamond suites).
• Four first-rate restaurants, including le Louis XV, which has three Michelin stars.
• Le Bar Americain, which commands stunning views of the Mediterranean
• A hair salon, luxury boutiques and direct access to the world-famous Les Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo spa.
• One of the most celebrated wine cellars on the Riviera, with almost 600,000 bottles.
• A grand function room, and eight fully-equipped meeting rooms.

Entertainment on a grand scale

As with all major casinos, le Casino de Monte Carlo offers plenty of forms of entertainment aside from gambling. Other attractions to be found on the premises include the world-renowned Buddha Bar Monte Carlo; Les Prives, which specializes in French food; and le Train Bleu, which offers fine Italian dining. It is home to the Renaissance bar, and l’Opera de Monte Carlo as well.

Being at the heart of Monte Carlo also ensures le Casino de Monte Carlo is right at the centre of Monaco’s glistening nightlife. As well as being close to the Monaco Opera, the casino has hosted some of Monaco’s most prestigious events, such the Monte Carlo Jazz Festival and the Monte Carlo Sporting Summer Festival.

A new risqué, but nevertheless tasteful, burlesque show has also been added to the casino’s entertainment line up recently.

Its central location on la Place du Casino ensures it is – quite literally – at the heart of Monaco’s most famous sporting event, the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix.

Breaking the Bank

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As one of the world’s oldest and most famous casinos, le Casino Monte Carlo has had to deal with many attempting to break its bank.

The first famous case came in 1873. British engineer Joseph Jagger hired six clerks to monitor outcome of some of the casino’s six roulette wheels. It was soon noted that one table showed a clear bias to several numbers.

Armed with this knowledge, Jagger then started gambling at this table, racking up huge wins over the coming days. When other gamblers did the same, the casino soon wised up to the trick. At first, it rearranged the tables, then modified the wheel. Jagger’s winning streak promptly came to an end. However, he left with around 2 million Francs – over $5 million in today’s money.

According to the book “Busting Vegas” by Ben Mezrich, a team of blackjack players from the Massachusetts Institute for Technology, led by Victor Cassius, tried to break the bBank at Monte Carlo using a system based on team work. The book describes how the management of Le Casino Monte Carlo responded to the team’s success.

La Casino de Monte Carlo: facts and figures

Finally, here are some facts and figures relating to the casino and the Hotel de Paris:

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• Address: Casino de Monte Carlo, Place du Casino, 98000 Monaco
• Total gaming space: 10,000m² (108,000sq ft)
• Opened: 1863
• Total number of hotel rooms: 182
• Parent company: Société des Bains de Mer
• Total number of slots: 300+ (approx.)
• Smoking: no

For further information, including how to book your visit there, please visit the Casino de Monte Carlo official website.