European Casino History

hile card rooms and private gaming clubs may have been around for hundreds of years, the earliest known European casino of the type gamblers know today is probably the Casino at Monte Carlo. The first casino was opened in Monte Carlo, a province of Monaco, in 1856. However, the main casino that has achieved so much fame was built in 1863 and continues to attract the famous and wealthy from all over the world. The card decks might not have the same design and the casino> games rules might have changed over the years, but it is still one of the most well known casinos in Europe.

Modern European Casinos

In mainland Europe today, the German Spielbank chain of casinos corners the casino market. The largest of these is the Casino at Bad Neuenahr Ahrwieler, which hosts all the most popular and well-known casino games, including blackjack games, roulette and craps.

English Casinos

In England, London is legendary for its casino gambling and card rooms. The most famous of these is the Grosvenor Victoria Casino, known colloquially as "The Vic," a casino where every European gambler and card player worth his or her salt is expected to have spent some time. Other popular London casinos include Aspinalls, the Ritz Club and Ladbrokes Casino.

European Casinos Today

Unlike American casinos, which are limited by somewhat restrictive gambling laws, some European casinos have branched out into the online world. This enables the casinos to increase their traffic and profits significantly, and gives their clients a choice regarding where and when to play. One of the most successful of the London online casinos is Ladbrokes.com, which offers online poker, an online sportsbook, online table games and more.