Gambling in Monaco

[rocknrobin]

So...how's the gambling in Monte-Carlo? Bet it's gorgeous - can't wait to see it and support the economy (I'm sure, and DH is fearing...lol). Any info would be great!

[Miata6]

Be prepared to:

A) Pay an admission charge to enter the casino.

B) Be surprised at how small the place is.

C) Wonder at what all the buzz was about.

 

(Comments germane only to the main, old casino, not any newer competitors.)

[Hlitner]

Well, I guess its one of those "different strokes for different folks" thing. Monte Carlo is still a good place for high rollers,,but they are usually in private rooms. Typical American gamblers who spend their lives pushing buttons on carefully program (hmmmm,, perhaps rigged) machines in large glitzy game rooms would be disappointed at Monte Carlo. And do not forget there is a dress code (even in the daytime) and an admission fee. I have actually found their casinos interesting late at night when its as much fun to people watch as to gamble. But during the daylight hours its just about cruise ship passengers and a few other tourists.

 

Hank

[CruisinGerman]

The concept of gambling here in Europe is different from the United States. In the United States, casinos let you just walk right in and you are not asked for ID (unless you look under age) or required to pay a fee.

 

In Europe, you are required to show your passport or other official identification and pay a fee. That screening system is basically used to weed out wanted criminals and the like. So while in the United States, one may enter a casino anonymously, that is not the case in Europe.

 

Also, it is a very low key experience, unlike Las Vegas or Atlantic City. At night you will see people in black evening gowns, black tie, jewels, etc. During the day, the casino is mostly cruise ship passengers and other tourists visiting France and Monaco.

 

It is a much more subdued atmosphere and the building has some historical value to it.

 

If you have no interest in the charm or history of gambling in Monte Carlo, then you should probably skip the casino -- after all, you are all coming off a ship with a casino, anyway, where you can basically do the same thing on your ship.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

[cberge]

There is also the "other" casino right across the street(used to be called the americna casion) from "the Casino" which I found to be a lot more fun,no dress code and more lively IMHO at least during the day.I stayed for quite some time in Menton and each of the towns have there own little casino which I think are fun.The Casion in MC is more for people watching,but the building cannot be beat for it's history and the Europeans are much more refined at gambling than the Americans as Gunther so stated.

[rocknrobin]

We're really drawn to the casino for the history and just to be able to say we played a little cards...a little black jack - we love AC, so for us to be in Monte Carlo and not gamble would be like going to a restaurant and not eating! I didn't realize that there would be a cover charge, but when in Rome (or Monte Carlo) as they say...I'm sure there is so much to see and enjoy outside of the Casino that we'll have plenty to do besides gamble. People watching is one of my all time favorites. Thanks to all...

[SEPyle]

In Europe, you are required to show your passport or other official identification and pay a fee. That screening system is basically used to weed out wanted criminals and the like. So while in the United States, one may enter a casino anonymously, that is not the case in Europe.

Kind regards, Gunther and Uta

 

We did not go to Monte Carlo, however as CruisinGerman mentioned above, others on our cruise mentioned that you need your actual passport and not a copy of same. They were dissapointed to not be able to experience gambling in Monte Carlo!

[DonLou]

To the left of the Grand Casino is another casino called "Cafe de Paris". The slots are opened at 10:00am. Table games don't start until 5:00pm. There is no cover charge, no dress code (or very tolerant dress code) and no passport or ID required to enter. I did have to check my camera in at the desk, though. There were plenty of American style slot machines. The play was in Euros and the denomination of the slots ranged from .05E to 2E. How was the winning percentage? About the same as in American casinos - Lousy.

[tango55]

Good morning everyone! We're not sailing til next October, but I'm researching! One of my main objectives is to be able to go into the casino in Monaco and perhaps try a hand or two of blackjack. I also want to take a souvenir chip home (I collect them). I understand they gamble in Euros, can anyone tell me what the lowest denomination of blackjack tables is, and also what the admission charge is?

 

Thanks so much!

 

Terry in Vancouver

[uk1]

You need to be aware that getting admission can also be a bit of a lottery.

 

To guarantee admission in the evening you need to be smartly dressed and have your passport - not a cruise ship ID. Some people make it in with the ID some don't. The reason why it is strict is that you need to prove you ARE NOT a resident of Monaco who are not allowed to gamble in the casinos.

[GramaFran]

My DH and I went into the Casino in Monte Carlo in Sept. we needed our passports as they checked them and our entry ticket had our names on them. the fee was 10 Euros.

 

I did not play but enjoyed a drink at the bar - 13 Euros for 1 drink. very expensive. My DH played black jack - there were 2 tables available in a back room - Minimum bet 25 Euros at one and 50 Euros at the other.

 

He felt very intimidated playing in Monte Carlo - I agree, 1st the place is absolutely beautiful, gold and mirrors everywhere, 2nd the staff is very formal no joking around, 3rd - The Tourists are walking all around watching you play. The tours are allowed in wearing shorts, t-shirts, etc.

 

We had dressed for our time in Monte Carlo - DH in sport jacket, dress shirt & slacks - I in a long black knit dress.

 

My DH did win and win big he did - But we left after about 1 hr as he just felt too intimidated by the surroundings and the cost of bets. But he has fullfilled one of his dreams in life to gamble at Monte Carlo.

Enjoy your time there it is really a once in a life time thing

Francine