A vital part of Monaco’s history and culture, the Monte-Carlo Casino has become a famous and iconic landmark over the years. But who can actually enter this world-famous gambling establishment?
Not everyone can enter the Monte-Carlo casino, so it is important to make sure you are prepared when visiting. Residents of Monaco cannot use casinos, and nobody under the age of 18 or without the necessary ID will be able to enter.
In this article, we will learn more about the famous Monte-Carlo Casino.
A Brief History
This landmark casino is officially known as Casino de Monte-Carlo, and it is situated in the heart of Monaco. Offering a wide range of entertainment and gambling opportunities, this is a place that many people are keen to visit when they head to Monaco.
Built on ground that was cultivated for the growth of citrus trees, work on the casino began in 1863. It was designed by the famous architect Charles Garnier, which goes some way toward explaining its splendor and grandeur.
Since it was built, the casino has become a pivotal part of the area, bringing glitz, glamor, and style as well as entertainment. In addition to the casino, visitors to the complex can also enjoy ballet and opera, making it a great place for culture and art lovers to visit.
What You Need to Enter the Casino
Those wishing to enter the casino should make sure you meet the requirements before heading over, otherwise, entry may be refused. So, below are some of the key things to keep in mind if you want to determine whether you are likely to be allowed to enter.
The first thing to keep in mind is that you must be over the age of 18 if you want to gain entry to the Monte-Carol casino. If you do gain entry, you will need to pay the admission fee advertised at the time, and there is an additional entry fee for admission into the private rooms.
You will also need to show some form of identification if you want to gain entry to the casino so make sure you carry some with you. Also, bear in mind that the identification provided must be photo ID, so take something like your passport or driver’s license.
Individuals with the right ID and who are aged 18 and over can enter the casino. In addition, the casino is also open daily for tours and groups, although there are some blackout dates throughout the year.
One additional thing to keep in mind when it comes to entering the Monte-Carlo casino is the dress code. While you do not have to be dressed formally, you must ensure you are smart-casual, which means no shorts and trainers.
Unfortunately, if you are a resident of Monaco, you cannot enter the Monte-Carlo casino. So, although you can admire this iconic landmark whenever you like, you cannot enter the gaming floors.
Why Monaco Residents Cannot Enter the Gaming Rooms
While visitors to Monaco can enter the Monte-Carlo casino providing they meet the above requirements, the same cannot be said of the residents. Those that reside in the area are not allowed to enter the casino.
This is because it is widely regarded that allowing the locals to gamble away their cash would be counter-productive to the economy. Instead, officials want to encourage locals to spend their money elsewhere or save it and bring in the taxes from gambling from visitors to Monaco.
The restriction dates back to the late 1800s when the Prince of Monaco decided to ban locals from gambling because of a financial crisis. Instead, his plan was to encourage others – namely wealthy upper-class English visitors – to gamble their cash.
Fortunately for him, the idea worked extremely well and enabled Monaco to repay its debts off. In fact, such was the success of the plan, it also helped with the abolition of taxes.
Fabulous Entertainment and Gambling Opportunities
So, if you are planning to visit Monaco, you are over 18, and you have a valid ID, you can look forward to some gambling entertainment. You can also enjoy the thrill of stepping inside one of the world’s landmark casinos and taking in the glamor of the place.
You can try your luck on the many games on the main gaming floor of the casino. If you really feel like splashing out, you could even head to a private room, where the minimum bet is slightly higher and there is no maximum gambling limit.