The Casino di Venezia in Venice, Italy, holds the distinct honour of being the oldest land-based casino in the world. Situated in a grand three-storey palace, the casino attracts thousands of visitors every year. In this guide, we’ve taken you from its Renaissance beginnings to its modern-day status as a historic destination.
The History of the Casino di Venezia
The Casino Municipale di Venezia is located within the Ca’ Loredan Vendramin Calergi, a palace that was opened in 1509 after 30 years of construction, on the banks of the Grand Canal in Venice. It was commissioned by Andrea Loredan, a Venetian nobleman, and designed by architect Mauro Codussi.
Codussi had also designed a number of Venice’s most popular churches, which gives the palace its distinct Renaissance-era charm. It remained a private residential palace for over a century until the Theatre Saint Moses was built in 1638. The same year, the then-called Ca’ Vendramin Calergi casino was opened in a separate wing.
During the intermission, patrons would be able to gamble in this wing. The casino was exclusively opened to the wealthy due to its high table stakes and strict dress code. Notable guests of the time included Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Giacomo Casanova and Lorenzo Da Ponte.
A Lasting Cultural Impact
Although its initial run as a casino was short-lived, it quickly gained popularity and is said to have been instrumental in launching the beginning of the casino craze in the city. By 1744, there were more than 120 gambling houses in the city. This all changed in 1774 when the city outlawed gambling.
The palace became the property of the Italian king and would go on to host for some time the German composer, Richard Wagner. The building eventually fell into disrepair until the city of Venice bought it in 1946. It was reopened as the Casino di Venezia in 1959, with the Wagner Museum opening in 1995.
The Modern Casino Municipale di Venezia
Today, the Casino di Venezia remains an elegant jewel in the crown of Venice’s architectural marvels. The site continues to attract major Hollywood stars, and has hosted high-profile events such as the Venice Film Festival and the World Poker Tour. In this section, we’ve described what tourists can expect from a visit to the casino.
Casino di Venezia is known for its glamour and sophistication.
The Games
The Casino di Venezia offers three storeys of gaming, including slots and table games. There are over 600 traditional and video slot machines to enjoy over two slot machine rooms. The Ca’ Noghera is an American-style casino with 4,000 sq. metres of slots. The Ca’ Vendramin Calergi has a more historical and grand setting.
The minimum slot bets start at €0.01 and maximum bets can be as high as €500. There are also progressive jackpot games. As for table games, players can enjoy blackjack, poker, baccarat, roulette, Chemin de Fer, and punco banco. There are regular tournaments held at the site that cater to mid-to-high roller players.
Dining and Entertainment
There are two restaurants located in the palace opened to guests. The Wagner hotel is situated on the first floor and offers refined upscale dining in a beautiful setting. The walls are decorated with paintings by Palma il Giovane and frescoes by Gian Battista Crosato. The Marco Polo restaurant offers more casual meals but is still beautiful.
As for entertainment, the casino hosts a range of popular musicians, magicians, comedians and other performances. You’ll regularly be able to enjoy celebrations for special events such as Chinese New Year, and visitors can spectate poker and blackjack tournaments,
Other Essential Details
Visitors can arrive at the entrance by a free boat shuttle service that leaves from Mestre Railway Station and Ca’ Noghera between 4.15 PM and 3.45 AM daily. If you are interested in dining with the restaurant, it is advised that you pre-book. There are no hotels on the grounds.
There is also a Casino di Venezia dress code to consider. Men are allowed to dress casually provided they do not wear short trousers, tank tops, sandals, flip-flops, slippers or tracksuits. The VIP area requires proper dress, with jackets advised after 8.30 PM. Ladies are permitted to wear casual clothes. Admission to the casinos costs €5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have more questions about the Casino di Venezia? If so, then keep reading to find fast and accurate answers to some common queries about this iconic gambling destination. If you’re still looking for easy-to-read discussions on a range of interesting topics, be sure to check out more of our online gambling articles.
What is the Casino di Venezia?
The Casino di Venezia is famous for being among the oldest casinos in the world. It is located on the banks of the Grand Canal inside a 15th-century palace. The palace is famous for hosting a number of notable guests, including Casanova, Rousseau and German composer Richard Wagner. Guests can enjoy fine dining and a range of gambling options.
What types of games does the casino offer?
There are plenty of gambling options to enjoy at the Casino di Venezia. There are two slots rooms with over 600 machines between them, including video slots and progressive jackpots. You can also play table games such as poker, roulette, blackjack and punto banco. Fortunately for locals, the Italian gambling taxes are among some of the lowest in the world.
Is the Casino di Venezia a worthwhile visit?
Whether you’re a gambler or architecture enthusiast, the Casino di Venezia is a worthy tourist destination for all. The building itself is a marvel and features Renaissance-era designs and spectacular paintings and frescoes. While it is not the biggest casino in Europe, it is undoubtedly one of the most elegant.
