Monaco is known worldwide for its luxury lifestyle, its glamorous casinos, and the international events it hosts each year. While land-based casinos like Monte Carlo remain a central part of the country’s identity, digital entertainment is becoming more visible in areas such as television, sports media, and cultural events. On the global stage, successful digital companies like Soft2Bet show how innovation and responsible growth can reshape entertainment, and this example helps frame the discussion about how digital solutions could integrate with Monaco’s established reputation for excellence.
Digital entertainment in Monaco today
In 2023, the government launched TVMonaco, the first national public channel with a focus on original programming and documentaries. Festivals are also adapting to the shift: the Monte-Carlo Television Festival now has a Digital Award category highlighting content created for online platforms. Events like SPORTEL Monaco attract sports tech companies from across the globe, while the MEWS Summit explores Web3, VR, and new forms of immersive entertainment. Together, these examples show that Monaco is actively exploring ways to expand beyond traditional formats.
The state-backed Extended Monaco program highlights this ambition. It aims to use digital technology for culture, services, and business, focusing on secure and responsible adoption. This approach fits well with the country’s image: selective, premium, and attentive to the needs of both residents and visitors.
Lessons from Soft2Bet
Other markets offer useful models for how digital entertainment can grow while keeping regulation and customer trust in balance. A clear case is Soft2Bet, an iGaming technology company founded in 2016. Headquartered in Malta and operating with over 19 licenses across Europe and Canada, it has become known for its innovative platform MEGA (Motivational Engineering Gaming Application). This solution boosted net gaming revenue by 65% and increased player deposits by 50% after launch in 2023. For operators, MEGA is not only about gamification but about a full system that adapts to user behavior.
The company also built a portfolio of B2C brands, each localized to fit market specifics. Betinia, Campobet, and Quickcasino show how tailored experiences can work in Denmark, Sweden, or Romania. For Monaco, which thrives on bespoke luxury, this focus on personalization could be a strong reference point.
What Monaco could adopt from global iGaming practices
When considering its digital future, Monaco does not need to create a mirror of large gambling hubs. Instead, it could adapt selected practices that match its positioning as a high-end, highly regulated destination. Three main lessons stand out:
- Compliance first: Soft2Bet operates only in regulated markets and invests in responsible gaming. Monaco already enforces strict privacy rules in hotels and casinos. A similar framework could be applied to any digital expansion.
- Premium user experience: MEGA shows how gamification can keep players engaged four times longer. For Monaco, translating that into luxury entertainment apps, cultural platforms, or sports media could enhance visitor loyalty.
- Innovation funds: Soft2Bet Invest, a €50 million fund launched in 2024, supports startups in gaming and casual entertainment. A comparable initiative in Monaco could strengthen its role as a hub for creative industries.
Each point underlines how regulation, personalization, and innovation can be combined without losing the essence of quality and exclusivity.
The specific role of land-based casinos
Any conversation about entertainment in Monaco must include its iconic casinos. While citizens cannot gamble inside them, tourists flock to Monte Carlo and Café de Paris. These venues could complement their physical offer with digital layers designed for guests. Examples might include:
- Interactive apps that guide visitors through the history of the casino with AR features.
- Digital loyalty programs that reward not only gaming but also dining and cultural attendance.
- Curated streaming of exclusive events, accessible to VIP members even after they return home.
These additions would not replace the traditional casino floor. Instead, they would extend the experience into a digital sphere that matches Monaco’s luxury image.
Beyond gambling: digital culture and sports media
Digital entertainment in Monaco is not limited to gaming. The cultural and sports sectors are already experimenting with new formats:
- TVMonaco has begun creating documentaries available both on TV and online platforms.
- SPORTEL Monaco gathers industry leaders to showcase the latest in broadcasting and streaming.
- The MEWS Summit brings together experts on metaverse projects, NFTs, and virtual events.
Together, they show that Monaco understands the potential of digital experiences. The country is experimenting, learning, and choosing carefully which innovations align with its long-term strategy.
Key takeaways
Digital entertainment in Monaco is evolving in careful steps, influenced by culture, sports, and media. The country has not opened the door to online gambling, but examples from abroad provide insight into what might work if it chooses to do so. Soft2Bet’s success demonstrates how strong regulation, advanced personalization, and responsible innovation can support growth.
For Monaco, this is less about copying and more about adapting. By integrating selective lessons, the principality can continue to offer experiences that match its reputation: exclusive, premium, and forward-looking.
