The Casinò di Campione is the largest employer in Campione d'Italia, an Italian enclave within Switzerland's Canton of Ticino, on the shores of Lake Lugano. The casino was founded in 1917, opened in 1933, and is owned by the Italian government, and operated by the municipality. The income from the casino is sufficient for the operation of Campione without the imposition of taxes, or obtaining of other revenue. The casino offers roulette, chemin de fer, baccarat, black jack, poker, and slot machines.
The Casino became prominent in news in 2006 when the son of the last king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia, was accused of procuring girls for prostitution to be sent to clients of the casino. On its website, the casino denies any knowledge of this.
“Bond, James Bond.” That’s the image you get of the incredible Italian Casinos. You’re just waiting for 007 to walk through the doors. Although there are very few Casinos in Italy, no other country has done more for the development of gambling than Italy. In ancient times, the Italians adopted the fortunetelling cards of the invading Saracens and first used them for gambling. Bacacart was invented in Italy, probably in the late 15th century. The lottery first appeared in 1530 and from this bingo was born – in Italy! The first casinos were opened in Venice in 1726.
Until recently, gambling was not viewed positively by Italian citizens. Certainly the “involvement” of the mafia in illegal gambling clubs caused concern. Gambling was something that most Italians avoided. Although horse racing and casinos were legal, they have not been popular like in the States. Slowly this has changed. In 2007, Italy allowed legalized online gambling and betting stations. Now, the legalized gambling age in Italy is 18. And so gambling is starting to grow in Italy.
There are just a few casinos in Italy, but most are very beautiful – especially the first three in this list:
Casino de la Vallee, Casino Municipale di Campione d’Italia, Casino Municipale di Sanremo, and Ca’ Vendramin… and so here they are:
Casino de la Vallee
The largest casino in the country, Casino de la Vallee is located just off A5, Northwest of Milan and features 95 table games and 512 slot and video poker machines. Games include 5 Card Stud, American Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Chemin de Fer, Craps, English Roulette, French Roulette, Poker, Punto Banco and Trente Quarante.
Address
Via Italo Mus Valle d’Aosta, 1
Saint Vincent, Italy, 11027
Tel. +39 1665 221
Located just off A5, Northwest of Milan – Highway A5 Torino-Aosta, exit Saint-Vincent, Chatillon. At the end of the turn right towards the center of Saint-Vincent, and follow the signs to the Casino.
Opening times – Slots:
2.00pm – 2.00am Sun – Fri
2.000pm – 3.00am Sat
Opening times – Tables:
3.00pm – 2.00am Sun – Fri
3.00pm – 3.00 am Sat
Fast Facts
Location: 90 km from Turin in North West Italy
Nearest Airport: Turin, Caselle (TRN)
Minimum Gaming Age: 18
Entrance Fee: Free Mon to Thu; 3 Euro Fri, Sat & Sun and festive days.
ID/Passport: Required
Dress Code: Casual for the slot hall only, Smart for table games and for French games jacket is also required for men.
Gaming Currency: Euro
Games to play:
Two halls electronic games
“Slot Club” 300+ slots/video machines with progressive jackpots, 2 Royal Ascot horse racing, open daily from 14:00
“Slot Circus” 90+ slots/video machines, open daily weekdays from 15:00 weekends from 10:30 (free entrance, parking, cloakroom and breakfast)
Live table games:
Two halls
“French games” 17 French roulette (from 10 Euro), 18 Fair roulette (from 5 Euro), 9 Chemin de Fer (from 100 Euro), 3 Trente et Quarante (34/40, min. 50 Euro), 3 Poker Teresina (5-card stud poker, from 5 Euro), 3 Saint-Vincent poket (Caribbean style poker, from 10 Euro), Texas Hold’em
“American games” 28 American roulette (double zero, from 2.5 Euro), 11 Blackjack (from 10 Euro), 1 Craps (min. 10 Euro), 3 Punto Banco (from 25 Euro)
Casino Municipale di Campione d'Italia
This ulta-modern casino was opened in May 2007. This striking building has nine floors and three levels of underground parking. It was designed to provide “an exclusive experience, the perfect union between culture and fun, relaxation and sophistication, splendor and warm hospitality.”
The first casino here was opened in 1917, but closed only two years later in 1919. It did not reopen until 1933. Now the casino has become not only a powerful economic engine of the city, but also a place suitable for the culture and social events. It has hosted VIPs and intellectuals, international stars, fashion shows and concerts ranging from pop, to jazz, rock.
Campione d’Italia is an enclave located 60 km from Milan, on a strip of land situated on the shores of Lake Ceresio. Campione d’Italia has been described as a small air bubble in a glass slab, for its particular location: the small town – belonging to Lombardy- is actually set in the Swiss confederation. The casino features baccarat, blackjack, craps, Punto Banco, roulette, European roulette and Chemin de Fer. 225 gaming machines are also available. All major currencies are accepted, and the minimum age to enter is 18.
Address
Piazzale Milano 1
22060, Campione d’Italia, Italy
Tel. +41 916 40 1111
The casino is located in northern Italy, approximately 60 km from Milan, 28 km from Como, 33 km from Varese, 60 km from Lecco, and only 10 km from Lugano. By car, you would take the Motorway A9 Milan-Como-Lugano.
Opening times :11.30am – 5.00am Mon – Thur
11.30am – 6.00am Mon – Fri
10.30am – 6.00am Sat
10.30am – 5.00am Sun
Fast Facts:
Nearest Airport: Lugano Airport 5km (3.7 miles), Malpensa Airport 45km (27.7 miles), Milano Linate Airport 55km (41.3 miles), Zurich International Airport 165km (101.6 miles).
Minimum Gaming Age: 18
Registration: Required
Entrance Fee: Free
ID/Passport: Required
Dress Code: Smart/Casual
Gaming Currency: Swiss franc (CHF), Euro currency exchange facility
Games to play:
600 Jackpot Slots/Video Machines with progressive games, Touch-bet Roulette, Horse Racing, Random Bingo; Live table games: French Roulette, Fair Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Texas Poker, Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker, Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, Craps, Trente/Quarante (roulette min. from 5 CHF, card games min. from 10 CHF); Cardroom area: Texas Hold’em Poker, Tournaments
Remarks:
Campione d’Italia is an Italian island in Swiss territory. It is an Italian enclave 60 km from Milan. Casinò di Campione is one of the largest in Europe. It was founded in 1933. In the 75 years to 2008 the gaming activities of the Casino have increased to the point that a new, larger and more modern site was built close to the old one and renamed Nuovo Casinò di Campione.
Casino Municipale di Sanremo
The Casino of Sanremo opened January 14 1905. It’s certainly one of the most important monuments of the Belle Epoque in Sanremo. Over the years, its appeal has remained unchanged. The elegance of the interior furnishings and offers visitors a unique environment where you can spend unforgettable moments.
Everything started on Jan.12Th 1905, when, for the first time ever, the halls of the Casino’ Municipale of Sanremo (which used to be called Kursaal ), opened to the public, during a luxurious Gala night exclusively reserved to special guests. From that moment on, the Sanremo Casino started to write its own, fascinating history, full of alternate luck (especially for the players ) and big cultural, artistic, theatrical attractions which complete the activities of the house of games, making it an important cultural magnet for the Citta’dei Fiori.
The project for the Liberty-style building was edited by the Parisian architect Eugène Ferret, who had previously made a project for other casinos ( Saigon and Cannes ) and soon the white building became one of the symbols of Sanremo throughout the world.
Many celebrities, kings, actors, singers, rich tycoons went through the playing halls of the Casino… For over 100 years, its salons have seen some of the most famous people in the world. The playing house of Matuziana has always been an important cultural magnet, also thanks to the presence of a theatre which offered prestigious plays ( the De Filippo used to play there quite often ). The tradition of the theatre still carries on today, with great success.
Many have been the important cultural events through the decades, from concerts, to music competitions, ballet dancing, operas…art exhibitions ( Aligi Sassu, Salvador Dalì, Giacomo Manzù, Antonio Rubino ……..). In 1951, two of the symbols of the Citta’ dei Fiori met in the party salon of the Sanremo Casino, the Festival della Canzone Italiana ( Festival of Italian Songwriting ), which started on Jan. 29Th 1951 right under the wing of the House of games.
The notorious “Festival” that’s still going and it is the reason why Sanremo turns into the capital of the world for a week…
Not to be forgotten are the “Martedi’ Letterari”, a “remake” of the “Lunedi’ Letterari” of the 30′s ( a time when the main characters of the conferences were as prestigious as Francesco Pastonchi e Luigi Pirandello ). Every year, these events offer a wide variety of the most important writers and literary men, known internationally ( Rita Levi Montalcini, Arrigo Petacco, Vittorio Sgarbi, Magdi Allam……).
This casino features two restaurants and live entertainment. There are a total of 433 gaming machines and 38 table games. These games consist of American roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and French roulette.
Address
Corso degli Inglesi 18
18038 Sanremo Italy
Tel. +39 0184 5951
From the A10 Savona – Ventimiglia, exit at either Sanremo East or West.
Opening hours
Slot machines room: 10.00 – 02.00 (04.00 during festive periods )
European gaming room: 14.30 – 02.00 (04.00 during festive periods )
American gaming room: 14.30 – 02.00 (04.00 during festive period)
Fast Facts
Nearest Airport: Villanova d’Albenga “C. Panero Airport” 37 km; Nice “Cote d’Azur Airport” 59 km; Genoa “Cristoforo Colombo Airport” 139 km
Minimum Gaming Age: 18
Membership: Required
Entrance Fee: Free from Monday to Thursday. 7.50 from Friday to Sunday and during festive periods
ID/Passport: Required
Dress Code: Smart/Casual; Jacket and tie are required in the Private Hall, the Roof Garden, the Liberty Hall, and the theatre.
Gaming Currency: Euro
Games to play:- “Antique Hall for Parties” on the ground floor of the building, completely renovated becoming the actual Slot Machines Hall with about 470 of the latest slots/video machines with progressive games (including reel slots, video slots, video pokers, multi-games and virtual horse racing)
- “Liberty Hall” dedicated to the American games including Blackjack (min. bet 5 Euro), Hold’em Poker, Fair Roulette (min. bet 5 Euro) and 41 latest slot machines
- “Giò Ponti Hall” French Roulette, Chemin de Fer and Trente et Quarante
- “Comune Hall” completely dedicated to the French games
- “500 Hall” close to the Comune Hall, dedicated to the Roulette, Chemin de Fer and American Roulette
- “De Sanctis Hall” also known as Yellow Hall, American games: 10 Roulette tables and 8 Card tables including Blackjack, Mini Punto Banco and Texas Hold’em Poker
- “Golden Hall” or ‘Super Privé’ hall for French games only (Reserved only for high rollers who can bet 500 Euros or more per bet. To get into this elegant and refined hall a direction authorization is needed because its guests want to protect their privacy during the game. The Golden Hall can accommodate 250 people also for gala nights.)
- “Events Area” close to the Golden Hall, the Texas Hold’em Poker games and ‘Sit and Go’ tournaments take place in the Event Area during high attendance periods (New Year’s day, the Italian Song Festival, Easter and mid-August holidays)
Remarks:
The Casino of Sanremo was elegantly planned by the French architect Eugenio Ferret and on 14th January 1905 it opened for the first time to the public. The building, rich in Art Nouveau and Baroque style decorations. VIP players are offered high betting standards as well as confidential and refined playing areas.
Casino Municipale di Venezia
The very first casino was established in Venice. And the magical city built on water still preserves the oldest gaming house in the world. Opened in 1638, the Casinò di Venezia has always been a centre of international attraction. Classic games in a sumptuous environment and innovative entertainment entrusted to highly professional personnel. All in the privilege of a totally unique setting.
From the golden sand of the Lido, where at the end of the thirties the Casinò di Venezia was opened as an important part of the city’s hospitality, entertainment and culture, to the noble banks of the Grand Canal where the Casino’s city location was opened during the 1950s. “A sculpted cloud resting on water”: is how Gabriele D’Annunzio immortalized Ca’ Vendramin Calergi. A perfect example of aristocratic renaissance architecture, home to doges and the last resting-place of Richard Wagner. This is one of the most elegant palazzi overlooking Venice’s main waterway.
In 1999 the Ca’ Noghera was opened, the first American-style casino in Italy. Games, lights, sound and colour in a modern, informal dimension. Here are the two locations in Venice of the Casinò di Venezia. (Note – third location is presently closed)
Ca'Vendramin
In The Lagoon
The heart of the Casinó di Venezia beats on the Grand Canal at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, a sophisticated arena of classic casino games, including Chemin de Fer, French Roulette, Fair Roulette, Black Jack, Trente et Quarante, Caribbean Poker and electronic games with a total of 500 gaming places. A whole floor of new Slot Machines is scheduled to open in spring 2007. And then there are the gala dinners, concerts in the garden and numerous other events and shows. A historical setting for infinite emotions.
Address
Palazzo Vendramin Calergi
Cannaregio 2040 – 30121 (Venezia)
Just a few minutes’ walk from S.Lucia station
Tel. +39 041- 5297111
Opening times – Slots:
3.00pm – 2.30am Sun – Thurs
3.00pm – 3.00am Fri – Sat
Opening times – Tables:3.30pm – 2.30am Sun – Thurs
3.30pm – 3.00 am Fri – Sat
Fast Facts
Location: Just a few minutes’ walk from S.Lucia station.
Nearest Airport: Venice, Marco Polo (VCE)
Minimum Gaming Age: 18
Membership: Optional
Entrance Fee: 5 Euro (If you are staying at a hotel in Venice ask for the free entrance coupon)
ID/Passport: Required
Dress Code: Smart, guests wear jackets (available for hire inside).
Gaming Currency: Euro
Games to play:
Jackpot Slots/Video Machines with progressive games;
Live table games: French roulette, Fair Roulette, Blackjack, Trente et Quarante, Chemin de Fer, Caribbean Poker, Tournaments
Facilities:
Restaurant, Bar, Promotions, Free shuttle from Piazzale Roma every 10 mins from 2.50 pm onwards
Remarks:
Casinò di Venezia offers you in its two locations, both with their own special character, Traditional card games in the historical palazzo Ca’ Vendramin Calergi and slot machines and American-style games in the brightly coloured setting of Ca’ Noghera. An exclusive gift awaits all clients who come and play at the Casino di Venezia on their birthday.
Ca' Noghera
On Land
In 1999, Ca’ Noghera, the first American style Casinó in Italy was opened near the Marco Polo airport. A thousand gaming places in an area of 5500 square metres of entertainment, including Fair Roulette, Black Jack, Caribbean Poker and a floor of over 400 slot machines. Ca’ Noghera also acts as a show room for other gaming houses on the lookout for the latest electronic games. Like “Pepo”, the Ferrari of Roulettes, with its unique, futuristic design and the “Wheel of Fortune”, a new, European exclusive, 9-station slot machine. And for visitors who wish to extend their evening, there is also the Theatre Arena hosting concerts, shows and catwalks.
Address
Via Paliaga 4/8 (Venezia)
Opposite Marco Polo Airport
Tel. +39 04 1269 5888
Opening times – Slots:
11.00am – 2.30am Sun – Thurs
11.00am – 3.00am Fri – Sat
Opening times – Tables:
3.30pm – 2.30am Sun – Thurs
3.30pm – 3.00 am Fri – Sat
Fast Facts
Location: Opposite Marco Polo Airport.
Nearest Airport: Venice, Marco Polo (VCE)
Minimum Gaming Age: 18
Membership: Optional
Entrance Fee: 5 Euro (If you are staying at a hotel in Venice ask for the free entrance coupon)
ID/Passport: Required
Dress Code: Casual
Gaming Currency: Euro
Games to play:
Jackpot Slots/Video Machines with progressive games;
Live table games: Fair Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Poker
Facilities:
Restaurant, Bar, Promotions, Free shuttle from Piazzale Roma every 10 mins from 2.50 pm onwards
Casinó del Lida
At Sea
During the summer of 1938, on the “Spiaggia dei veneziani” overlooked by the Oriental-style domes of the Hotel Excelsior and the elegant Hotel Des Bains bathing areas, the classic summer location of the Casinò di Venezia was opened.
Closed in the year 2000, for gaming enthusiasts and lovers of the exclusive hospitality offered by the Lido, the dream of the Casino reopening may, perhaps, come true …
Casino del Garda
From their website: Located in Bussolengo, Verona, just besides the Verona Village center, an elegant and comfortable atmosphere warmly welcomes you, to let you live a truly unique experience. Casino del Garda is the new age of amusement: the thrill of the challenge, the pleasure of relaxing, the warranty of playing safely.
If you like to play, the casino offers several amusement opportunities – But there’s even more. Two giant screens allow you to follow all the live sport events, while you’ll have the chance to have a look at the most important horse races in a dedicated area. Moreover, a big, cozy bar area offers you the relaxing chance of a comfortable break
At Casino del Garda you can take your chance on luck – but also spend some time together without playing. A huge betting area, two electronic multiplayer roulettes, 90 last-generation Slots.
Address
Via del Lavoro, 131
Bussolengo, (VR) Italy
Telephone +39 04 5671 7778
Opening Hours
Mon. & Tue. 10.30 am – 00.30 am
Wed. – Sat. 10.30 am – 02.00 am
Sunday 10.30 am – 01.00 am
- Entrance allowed ONLY to 18- years olds or older.
- Entrance allowed after registration and subsequent release of an entrance card; The entrance card is strictly personal: it can’t be transferred or manipulated, under pain of revocation.
Queen Bingo Hall
Seventy table games are featured within the casino’s 1,250 square foot gaming area.
Address
Via San Vitale
Bologna, Italy
For more information about casinos in Italy and around the world see Global Gaming Directory and World Casino Directory
