One of the first casinos in the world is considered to be the famous gambling establishment located in the Principality of Monaco. It is called the same as the administrative district in which it is located - Monte Carlo. The dwarf state occupies only 2 m2, and its native population does not exceed 40,000 people. It was here in the 19th century that the first casino in Europe appeared, which is still considered one of the most expensive and presentable. The prerequisites for its opening were the difficult economic situation of the country, which actually became bankrupt. Thanks to the legalization of gambling and the emergence of casinos, the country has turned into a prosperous dwarf state, where the richest and most famous inhabitants of the planet prefer to relax.
Briefly about Monaco
There are no cities as such in the country. It is divided into districts, which are sometimes called cities, but this is not true. The princely residence is located in the district that has the same name as the country itself. The working population of 100% is employed in the entertainment industry. Almost all jobs are somehow connected either with the gambling business or with the Monaco Grand Prix (the most prestigious Formula 1 races). The country's economy is quite stable, but is very closely intertwined with France and Italy. If any upheavals occur in these countries, they are immediately projected onto Monaco.
An interesting fact is that the decree, which is more than 100 years old, prohibits the local population from playing in casinos. Moreover, only employees have the right to enter gambling establishments. By the way, the average salary in Monaco is far from ideal and is only 1,700 euros. At the same time, a visiting tourist can easily spend such amounts on a light dinner. Tax deductions from casino activities are very serious incomes in the country's budget.
Casino Monaco
Gambling in the country was legalized in 1854. At that time, the principality was ruled by Prince Charles III. As already mentioned, the state was on the verge of bankruptcy and only the opening of the first gambling establishments improved the economic situation. The very first casino in La Condamine (one of the districts of Monaco) worked for a very short time and withered away. However, after selling the rights to organize the gambling business to the French Blanc family, who already had experience in managing gambling clubs, things, as they say, went "uphill".
The new casino was opened in Les Spelegures. This area was quickly renamed, as its name ("Den of Thieves") was not very attractive to gambling visitors. The prince of the state very "modestly" renamed it in honor of his beloved self, and the area received the name that is still used today - Monte Carlo. It was here in 1858 that the French opened the famous Le Grande Casino de Monte Carlo, which is still in operation today. As soon as the railway appeared between France and Monaco and access to games became free, the country's economy quickly began to revive.
In addition to the most famous and prestigious establishment, there are three more casinos in Monaco that are less well known:
- Casino Café de Paris;
- Sun Casino;
- Monte Carlo Bay Casino.
The total amount of all winnings that visitors receive in a year in the casinos of Monaco is about 200 million euros. The casinos of the principality are very different from the establishments of Las Vegas or other clubs, which have a very relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. In Monaco, the spirit of aristocracy reigns. Visitors are millionaires and celebrities who feel like masters of life. It is not customary to enter the casino in jeans, although today these strict dress code boundaries are gradually being erased.
The most famous Casino de Monte-Carlo has been visited by many famous people, including royalty. The following have visited:
- the Rothschild family and Alexandre Dumas;
- Winston Churchill and Kaiser Wilhelm II;
- King Edward VII and Prince Charles;
- Sarah Bernhardt and other celebrities.
The stakes in this casino are quite high. For example, in some rooms the minimum is 2,000 euros.
The building of the oldest gambling establishment in Europe was the setting for famous blockbusters Casino Royale, Ocean's Twelve and others. By the way, Russian classics also visited the walls of the oldest gambling establishment in Europe. A. Chekhov, A. Kuprin and other writers played here.
