Monte Carlo Casino: Glamour, History, and the Birthplace of European High Society Gambling

With fast cars, slot machines and movie scenes Monte Carlo is a haven for the affluent and privileged class. Located at the center of Monaco, this place is pulsating in the rhythm of business during the day, while the nightlife is intoxicated with luxury. Famous for gambling, glamor and sports, it is also known as the ‘diamond of Monaco.” With around 30,000 inhabitants, it is a place with culture and a wonderful history. Opera, ballet, theater performances and national museums constitute one of the parts of this spectacular piece. If you are a movie buff, then you would be amazed to learn that many Bond movies were filmed here. Even if you are new to kasyno online, then surely you know that this legendary shrine of gaming is an undisputed reference for players all over the world.

  • The Playground for the Rich and Famous

Located in Monaco, the famous gambling complex includes a world-class casino, an opera house and the classical ballet company Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. The Casino is owned by Société des Bains de Mer yet the ruling princely family and the government of Monaco have a major interest. The company owns sports clubs, principal hotels, food service establishments and nightclubs all over the principality. Monegasques (the citizens of Monaco) are banned from working or gambling, and this initiative was taken by Princess Caroline. It was only intended for foreigners, and this venture was proposed to save the House of Grimaldi from going bankrupt.

We have included the main highlights from the history of the facility in the list below. After reading the following facts, it’s easy to conclude that the modern resort we know now has gone a long-long way to become a success:

  • 14th December 1856 (Villa Bellevue): Princess Caroline’s son, Charles, hired Napoleon Langlois and Albert Aubert to write a prospectus for attracting 4 million francs to build a spa, a gambling center and villas. Then, the first Casino was opened at Villa Bellevue on the 14th of December, which was a humble manor in La Condamine;
  • 1857 – Casino rights were passed on: Monaco in the 1850s was an unlikely place for a resort to thrive and succeed. Poor connectivity with the rest of Europe and the absence of proper accommodations, along with no publicity of the new resort, made the venture a total failure. Aubert and Langlois then decided to pass the rights to Frossard de Lisbonne, who in turn gave it to Pierre Auguste Daval in the year 1857;
  • 1859 – Profits started pouring in: While the casino started making profits, Daval wasn’t up to the task and was unable to meet the standards that were expected of him by Princess Caroline;
  • 1863 – The entry of François Blanc: Princess Caroline was interested in recruiting François Blanc, an entrepreneur who was responsible for operating the Casino Bad Homburg. Although at the initial stage, Blanc wasn’t interested, in 1863, he took over the new venture after being offered 150 thousand francs a year and 10% of the profits coming in;
  • 1866 – The turning point inspired by Blanc: The gambling impresario used his connections to raise capital, and the construction quickly began. Blanc insisted that the Spelugues area, where the complex for gambling was located, should be renamed to allure visitors. Monte Carlo was the chosen name for honoring Prince Charles;
  • 1869 – Success ensued: The casino took off on such a scale that the prince abolished taxation in the principality;
  • 1877 – Blanc passes away: Blanc died in the year 1877 while the venture had already started making good business. He left a massive wealth of around 72 million francs;
  • 1878-81 – Further Expansions: Architects Jules Dutrou and Charles Garnier designed and transformed the casino. The alterations included redesigning and expansion of public spaces and gaming rooms along with the addition of the sea-facing concert hall (Salle Garnier);
  • 1898-99 – Expansions continued throughout the 19th century: Salle Garnier was remodeled again to make the space suitable for ballet and opera performances. However, even after many changes, modifications and additions, the exquisite place with the Beaux Arts style remains intact.

Although it’s a glamorous and popular destination, the government of Monaco still exercises financial control over it, while the principality remains a fiscal paradise.

The Incredible Story of Charles Deville Wells

After Prince Charles passed away, the Casino’s future looked uncertain, as Prince Albert loathed it. Even Blanc’s family started searching for separate destinations for the venture. However, things changed as Charles Deville Wells wandered into the place. Being a wealthy Englishman, he could gamble with such disregard for money that many described him as “a mad billionaire who was spending all his fortune in gambling.” He gambled non-stop for five days, and most people would have taken a hefty loss, but he walked away with a sum equal to four and a half million euros in today’s time. Many had hopes to replicate this act, but no one was a match for Charles Deville Wells.

The Hollywood Connection

The place has hosted global dignitaries, royalties and celebrities alike. The breathtaking design is not only an inspiration for other casinos but also makes this celebrated Monaco-based venue a popular backdrop for music videos, films and many other live concerts. If you are a fan of the Bond movies, then you will love how this gambling house is associated with 007 films and how many of them were shot here.

The 2nd premier of the Bond Movie Franchise, “No Time to Die” (the 25th Chapter) was hosted here in the year 2021. The hosts were H.S.H. Prince Albert II along with Princess Grace Foundation, and the premier honored Sir Roger Moore.

The Pleasurescape of the Rich and Famous

The Monte Carlo Casino is attracting the richest people in the world and is the most beautiful gambling house ever made. Outside, you will find the most prestigious cars parked, like Ferrari, Bentley, and Rolls Royce, which gives a good idea of what kind of people are gambling inside. With the potential for big wins, a thrilling atmosphere and incredible people all around, this is definitely going to be a phenomenal experience.

Leave a Comment