Venice Casino – History, Traditions & Modern Gaming
On hearing the word “casino”, most people think of the iconic entertainment capital Las Vegas. Others picture the affluence of color, sounds and lights of Macao, or the classic chic and finesse of Monte Carlo. But all those glorious landmarks of gaming would not exist today if it were not for the first brick and mortar casino in history – Casino di Venezia, or Venice Casino.
That is why we will pay due respect to the founding gambling place by giving you an overview of the historical facts, as well as some fun facts. We will not linger in the past but will rather entice you to visit the casino yourself by listing all the games you can play there in 2024. Gambling is the huge draw to Casino di Venezia, but there is so much more you can do there.
Casino di Venezia Fun Facts
So, Casino Venice, Italy, is the first land-based casino in the world, but how did it all happen? Certainly, people enjoyed gambling in many different forms long before the modern concept of a casino was on the drawing board. However, the casino palace as we know it appeared with the founding of Casino di Venezia in 1638. The casino became a household name almost overnight and paved the way for the best online casinos for US players.
A milestone in gambling history, Casino di Venezia put the canal-ridden city on the Hollywood map. Thanks to movies like Casino Royale Venice has established itself as a popular filming location. You have probably seen quite a number of those, and you probably have caught a glimpse of the respectable building that houses the casino games more than once. After all, its central location ensures that no vaporetto chase in the Grand Canal can be complete without it.
Tourist Info – When in Venice, Do as the Venetians Do
There is no doubt about it, Venice as we know it is a major tourist destination. What is also true is that there are many sights to see and bridges to take pictures of in this wonderful city. But you do not need us to tell you where and how. That is why we will focus on the gambling attractions.
Venice Casino is right in the heart of the Grand Canal, which itself is the life vein of Venice. It is easily accessible by a waterbus, or as it is called in Italian a vaporetto, a water taxi or a gondola (if you want to make the trip very memorable and kind of pricey). Yet, you can also take advantage of the free Venice Casino ferry service.
Whichever you choose, make sure you respect the dress code. In this case, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed and be sent away. Note that the management has the right to refuse admission to the casino halls at their own discretion. Dressing up may be vital, especially if you are going to a special event, such as San Silvestro.
Now, there is a catch. So far, we’ve been telling you about Casino di Venezia Ca Vendramin – the historical venue on Canale Grande. But there are actually two locations of the Venice Casino. Moreover, there are some differences between the two venues we would like to mention. After all, you do not want to find out about the two locations when getting into a taxi at the airport.
Casino di Venezia Ca Vendramin Calergi
All along we have been speaking of the original Casino di Venezia – Ca’ Vendramin Calergi. It stands proudly by the Grand Canal, in the heart of Venice. It is a historical building, a palazzo. It calls to mind ancient times of valor and courtship. Most of all, it gives Americans the chance to play table games while soaking in the ambience of times long gone.
Ca’ Noghera near Marco Polo Airport
- The First Casino in the World
- Two Locations
- Traditional and Modern
- Fine Dining Restaurants
- A Tourist Attraction
- In the Heart of Venice
- Top Games
- Special Events
In 1999, a new venue was introduced. Ca’ Noghera is conveniently situated within a 5-minute drive from Marco Polo airport. Since you are probably going to land at Marco Polo Airport anyway, you could get a taxi or ride the bus. The second casino location is housed in a modern building and boasts over 6500 sq. ft. of gaming facilities, including classic table games and 550 slot machines and video poker.
Casino Venice Games
As might be expected, this legendary casino in Venice, Italy, focuses on the splendor of classic casino games, such as roulette and blackjack. Still, if slots or video poker games is what you are into, you will not be disappointed. Do not expect the spaces typical for Las Vegas, though, or hardly any place in Europe will live up to your expectations. Think locally, and you will be impressed.
Classic Table Games
Hollywood movies tend to portray the classy activity of playing a table game. If you would like to feel like James Bond for a while, Casino di Venezia is just the right place for the experiment. Classic table games, such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, are well-represented. Now, if you’d like to enjoy the game and win, you should do yourself a favor and practise US online roulette beforehand.
- French Roulette – Featuring called bets, the ultimate casino game is available at both Venice Casino venues.
- Blackjack – Join a table at either venue and try to beat the dealer. The ambience adds to the pleasure of winning.
- Chemin de Fer – Enter the dedicated rooms in Casinò di Venezia Ca’ Vendramin Calergi and enjoy this medieval game.
- Punto Banco – Find this game, together with the variation Punto Banco Cards in Hands, at both venues.
Hundreds of Slots
Our overview of slot machines starts with a note on size and variety. Once again, do not expect to find the sea of slots, typical for Las Vegas casinos.
Trust us when we tell you that the 550 machines, providing slots and video poker, at Casino di Venezia Ca’ Noghera is an impressive collection that will keep you entertained for hours.
If you would still rather have access to a bigger game portfolio, we suggest trying the top slots USA has to offer.
Online Casino & Tournaments
Now, just because Venice Casino has an impressively long history, does not mean that they lag behind times and popular demand.
In fact, they have a fully functioning online casino, which offers a good deal of options for players.
There are table and card games, slots, and live dealer games. There is a lottery, bingo, and poker as well.
Yet, we do think the real character of Casino Venice, Italy, is only to be felt when you visit their land-based venues. Moreover, if you do so, you will have the opportunity to take part in a tournament. There is poker, blackjack, Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and baccarat tournaments. These are announced well beforehand, and you will have the chance to not only enjoy the thrill of competing but also win awesome prizes. If you are more into online gambling, consider checking out the best online casino in Italy.
Top 10 Games at Casinò di Venezia
- French Roulette
- Blackjack
- Slots
- Chemin de Fer
- Punto Banco
- Fair Roulette
- Video Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em Poker
- Caribbean Stud Poker
- Ez Baccarat
Special Events & Fine Dining
You will probably visit the casino for the gambling opportunities that have an undeniable historical charm. But once you get there, you will probably want more. The casino has plenty of other things to do. For starters, you can dine while gambling. No matter if you are having dinner at the Wagner restaurant at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi or at the Marco Polo restaurant at Casino di Venezia Ca’ Noghera, you are bound to dine in style.
And if you like Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, you can surprise a loved one with a romantic dinner on one of its balconies. The extraordinary atmosphere is guaranteed by the view of the Grand Canal, live music in the background, and a private waiter. Should you be interested in big parties, you could organize your trip to Venice so that it falls on New Year’s Eve or St. Valentines and attend the special events – San Silvestro and San Valentino respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Venice Casino
We have tried our best to present Casino di Venezia for you. However, if you want to have your very own Casino Royale Venice adventure, you will need to take the trip and experience everything first-hand. We have given you the facts, and now we are going to conclude with a few common questions you might have.
