Grand Casino, Monaco

Built in 1863 as a solution to the financial problems of the Grimaldi dynasty (not yours) the Casino at Monte Carlo offers an opportunity for those with too many zeros in their bank account to shed a few. And it's that naughty little zero on the roulette wheel that makes it happen, confering a 3% advantage in favour of the house.

The public open area of Casino has been expanded recently to include several of the previously private glorious "grand salles", and is open to everyone - though you will need to be "suitably dressed" (basically meaning not beachwear.) Opening at around 14:00, in addition to the wall of slot machines, you are now able to join in the gaming activities as an ordinary visitor. Roulette - minimum stake 2 euros up to 10, and backgammon - minimum 10 euros.

You can stand and watch others losing their money, or if you prefer, throw yourself into the spirit and lose some of your own. I watched a tour coach driver ably demonstrate his prowess on the wheel of fortune, combining line splits, corners, odds and even and red or black, which succeeded in losing him twenty euros in just two spins of the wheel. But he seemed to enjoy the attention of the little old ladies watching. At another table a hardened gambler had a sizeable stack of chips, which alternately rose and fell with each play. He betrayed no emotion, win or lose, merely on to the next hand. That's proper gambling.

Entrance to the private gaming rooms - I assume for more serious games like poker - is restricted to those suitably dressed - gentlemen require jacket and tie - and there is a 10 euro entry charge. The minimum value of chips climbs to James Bond levels. Real gambers don't like to be watched losing money by hordes of tourists.

Good news for those who think they can handle more than one vice at a time. You can now enjoy smoking whilst losing money gambling, and enjoy a sea view. The Casino d'ete Sporting has installed roulette, punto banco and blackjack tables on its Palm Terrace. The Casino of the Cafe de Paris has had slot machines in the open air since April last, and the grand Casino its self is installing outdoor terrace tables.

Strolling from the gaming rooms there is a very classy bar with views out to sea, and the bar tarrif is similar to that of the Cafe de Paris ie ruinous.

The darker history of the casino is altogether more interesting. Back in the late 19th century gambling was illegal in many states of Europe, and those with fortunes attracted to the vice made their way to Monaco. More of its notorious history, and the ruin of many fortunes, continues here Les Suicides

As you arrive at the Place du Casino, the sight of this masterpiece by the famous architect Charles Garnier will take your breath away. Built in 1863, the Casino has been designed around an atrium surrounded by 28 onyx columns, behind which the Salle Garnier, an Italian theatre decorated in red and gold is the veritable miniature replica of the Paris opera house.

Every season, the most beautiful opera shows are staged here. Further on, the gaming rooms are marvellously decorated with stained glass windows, sculptures, and unique allegorical paintings. Visits to the casino last 35 to 40 minutes,

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If you want to see a wide assortment of top notch supercars and vintage cars, head for the Grand Casino.

Many of it's clientele are well-heeled, with steeds to match ;)

It's quite fun looking at the various, brightly coloured cars parked right in front of the casino.

You are very likely to see some latest models. It's a good pastime noting their plates, and seeing where the owners might be based! Many are Monaco residents, or French, but I've seen cars from Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Russia (gangsters, no doubt ;)), etc.

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Dubbed on the most prestigous casino in the world, Monte-Carlo does stand out as a class of its own. I was simply stunned with casino, they way it was design, the surroundings, the cars parked at the entrance and the people walking in and out of it. Simply for the rich and famous I would say. I am just happy sitting outside of it and snapping a couple of shots.

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For those who think that Monte Carlo is a casino in Las Vegas, here is your introduction to the original Monte Carlo and home to the world's highest of rollers. This casino is dedicated to the filthy rich and anyone not in that category is not welcome. Not that you can't enter the casino, but to get on the main floor you have to pay an entrance fee, they do have some slot machines just inside the entrance but its 5 euro a pull. However its still worth it to go in and take one pull on the slot machine to say you gambled at the famous Monte Carlo....in Monaco!

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Designed by Charles Garnier, the legendary architect who also built the majestic Paris Opera, the Monte-Carlo Casino was dedicated from the outset to the art of gaming. With its frescoes in the style of Boucher, its bas-reliefs, sculptures and caryatids, and an astonishing gold and marble atrium, the architecture exudes elegance and luxury.
This is a place where the rich and famous can be seen. Every evening, Mercedes, Porches and other luxury cars pull up in front of the main entrance to let off celebrities and their entourage.

This was once the main source of income for the Principality. It dates back to 1878 and has fantastic views over the sea and a series of terraced gardens. Photography is not allowed inside the casino. Open noon – 4 am daily and there is an admission charge.

Charles Garnier, the architect of the opera house in Paris, built the Casino in 1878.

It's open daily. Persons under 18 are not admitted
Dress code: Jacket and tie for men
Duration of visit: 30 to 40 minutes

It isn't allowed to take pictures in the casino - so don't show your camera - or they won't let you in !!

If you have some money to blow, stop at the Monte-Carlo Casino. Just make sure you're dressed appropriately or you will not be able to get in.

There is a 10 euro cover charge. Slot machines open at 14:00. Blackjack, craps and roulette open at 12:00.

Must be 18 years old or older...bring your passport.

Probably the best known attraction in Monaco is the Casino.

It was built between 1878 and 1910 and is very ornate.

There is an entry fee to get into the gaming rooms (approx. 10 euros) and you will need to show your passport.

If you don't want to pay, you can still enter the building to have a look, and perhaps put a coin or two through the slot machines. Also, the toilets are worth a visit.