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Through appearances on film and TV, the major casinos in the US, Vegas especially, are world famous. Who hasn’t heard of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas? But seeing as the concept of casinos seems to have originated with the Caesars, it’s quite apt that we take a look at some of the top casinos in Europe.
Here are six of Europe’s top casinos that you can hit in 2017.
Grosvenor Victoria Casino, London
The Grosvenor Victoria is one of the biggest and oldest casinos in London spread out over three stories. They recently celebrated reaching half a century of gambling fun but that doesn’t mean they’re stuck in the past. After a huge refurbishment in 2008, their opening hours were extended and you can now check out the action in their 250-seat poker room 24 hours a day. It’s a great space that gets nice and busy thanks to the daily events and tournaments that are held here. The thing I really love, though, is the Craps table (that’s Dice for you Brits). It’s a rare feature in casinos over this side of the pond, even in London. Definitely worth stopping in for.
Head over to 150 – 162 Edgware Road London W2 2DT (underground Marble Arch or Edgeware Street) to get some of the action.
Casino Barcelona
How about a night of poker in the place where Sebastian Malec won over a million in one tournament? The Casino Barcelona is an annual pit stop on the EPT tour so this is definitely a place for international hustle and bustle and big payouts. I was hoping to be a bit more successful at the tables, but alas; my skills are just not up to par. My spirits were lifted by the casino’s other offerings, though. Casino Barcelona advertises itself as ‘more than a casino’, and indeed it is. Their calendar of events is jam-packed with shows from local and national talent putting on acts from flamenco to Lindy Hop and everything in between. Open 24 hours a day, they really do seem to try and make your visit as comfortable as they can.
Get yourself down to Carrer de la Marina, 19-21 (metro Ciutedella i Vila Olímpica) for an unforgettable time.
Casino Monte Carlo
It’s slightly ironic that one of the most famous places for gambling doesn’t allow the locals, so it’s only an international crowd you’ll find here, but that doesn’t put a dampener on what this Belle Époque masterpiece has to offer you. The table games are as international as the players; English Roulette, French Roulette, Trente et Quarante (don’t be fooled, it’s Italian), and the prize pools can make a visit extremely lucrative if you have the skills (and the buy in). The casino also houses some gourmet restaurants for those of us who want to dine in style. A particular favourite is Le Train Bleu, which serves up a killer steak in an Orient Express-style decor. Formal attire is a must.
If you’re tempted, the casino is in the Place du Casino in the centre.
Fitzwilliam Casino and Card Club, Dublin
The Fitz is a breath of fresh air if you’re just looking for no-frills, serious play. Many locals frequent the Card Club and the quiet, cosy atmosphere really helps you focus on your game. It’s touted as the Irish home of high value cash poker and tournaments generally have prize pools of over 1000€. You can also play Brit Brag if you want to try your hand at something new. Before your visit, make sure you become a member to circumvent the pesky Irish gambling laws and be prepared for a sober night as alcohol is not permitted on the premises. This was a surprise, but it didn’t shouldn’t stop you from having a thoroughly enjoyable visit.
It’s a down-to-earth experience not to be missed at Clifton Hall, Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2, D02 XP89
Marlene Dietrich is purported to have said that the Baden-Baden casino is the most beautiful casino in the world, and, honestly, it would be difficult to disagree with her. It’s in a spa resort on the edge of the Black Forest and the décor is from a time gone by, yet wonderfully maintained. The large gambling hall has a bustling atmosphere but if you’re after something a little more intimate, you can try out the new Club Bernstein for poker and roulette. The upper betting limit is 7000€, so if you’re looking to bring out the big guns, you might want to take a rain check. To be granted admission, you need to be wearing suitable attire and be over 21.
The Karhaus, which houses everything, is on Kaiserallee 1, right in the heart of town.
Casinos started popping up all over the Czech Republic after the Velvet Revolution in 1989 so this is your chance to play at one in its infancy. That said, the Atrium is far from an immature start-up. It’s an EPT partner (hosted in 2014), so you can without doubt expect some serious play in the Poker Room. Minimum buy-in for the daily cash game is 3000 Czech crowns (just over 100€) and jackpots are progressive. The Golden Poker Room also offers free drinks to players and an open buffet is available after 9pm to give you strength into the small hours.
You can get to Pobřežní 1, Prague 8 easily from Florenc metro station.
So, whatever your gaming fancy, Europe’s casinos can definitely set you up with a great night. The hard part is deciding which one to go to first!
