Perched on the glittering shores of Monaco, the Casino de Monte-Carlo stands as an architectural and cultural icon. Since its construction in 1879 by Charles Garnier, the celebrated architect behind the adjoining Monte-Carlo Opera House and the Palais Garnier in Paris, the casino has been a magnet for high society. Its Belle Époque architecture, characterised by ornate detailing and grandeur, provides a luxurious setting for both gaming enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
James Bond arrives at the casino in GoldenEye (1995).
A cinematic icon
The Casino have served as a backdrop for several iconic films. Most notably, it appeared in two James Bond films: GoldenEye (1995), with Pierce Brosnan, and Never Say Never Again (1983), featuring Sean Connery. More recently, it was featured in Fast and Furious 5 (2011).
James Bond dances in the atrium of the casino in Never Say Never Again (1983).
A journey through the casino’s iconic rooms
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a sumptuous atrium (pictures above) with 28 Second Empire-style columns. The Casino’s many rooms are not just places to gamble but are also rich in history and design, offering a feast for the eyes as well as the thrill of games.
Salle Europe, the centerpiece of the Casino, is a shining example of Belle Époque grandeur, with its imposing glass ceiling and eight crystal chandeliers from Bohemia. Known for its craps tables, this bright and airy space has long been a favourite for high-rolling players. The walls are adorned with artwork depicting allegories of nature, created by renowned artists such as Paul Steck and Georges Picard.
Salle Europe. Source: Monte-Carlo Casino.
Moving into the Salon Rose, originally constructed in 1903 as a smoking room, with an intimate, boudoir-like atmosphere. The ceiling, once designed to conceal smoke with its brown tones, holds a secret: an angel whose rear seems to follow visitors wherever they stand.
The Salle des Amériques, designed by Charles Garnier in 1881, blends modern slot machines with classic art and is decorated with sculptures of masks representing the four seasons.
Salle des Amériques. Source: Monte-Carlo Casino.
Another standout room is the Salle Blanche, a serene and understated space that originally served as a reading room for the companions of the casino’s patrons. Today, it is reserved for VIP players. The room is dominated by Les Grâces Florentines, a painting by Paul Gervais that stirred controversy in its time due to its depiction of three socialites from the Belle Époque – Liane de Pougy, Émilienne d’Alençon, and La Belle Otéro – in the nude. Despite the initial scandal, the painting has become one of the Casino’s most celebrated artworks.
Les Grâces Florentines. Source: Monte-Carlo Casino.
A poker playground
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious poker events, including the European Poker Tour (EPT). Since 2004, the EPT Monte-Carlo has hosted key tournaments like the Main Event, High Roller, and Super High Roller, attracting poker’s elite to the principality each season.
The unseen barrier
Yet, while the Casino welcomes players from all over the world, one group remains conspicuously absent: the citizens of Monaco. This is no accident. In the 19th century, Prince Charles III, concerned that his subjects might squander their limited resources on gambling, enacted a law barring Monegasque citizens from playing in the Casino. This prohibition, reinforced by a 1987 law still in effect today, ensures that no Monegasque can partake in the Casino’s games. Identification is required to enter, and while non-citizens may gamble and collect their winnings, Monaco residents are strictly excluded.
This restriction also serves a practical purpose: it prevents conflicts of interest for local croupiers, who could potentially face friends or family members at the gaming tables, thus reducing the temptation for fraudulent behaviour.
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