Monaco is one of the world’s best-known casino destinations, but the current casino scene is smaller and more concentrated than many older travel guides suggest. In 2026, the Principality’s two active casinos are Casino de Monte-Carlo and Casino Café de Paris, both located on Place du Casino in Monte-Carlo and operated by Société des Bains de Mer.
Of the two, Casino de Monte-Carlo is by far the most famous. Its Belle Époque architecture, historic gaming rooms and association with Monaco’s luxury image have made it one of the most recognizable casinos in Europe. Directly nearby, Casino Café de Paris offers a more contemporary experience focused heavily on slot machines, electronic gaming and a less formal atmosphere.
Understanding what are the famous casinos in Monaco therefore requires distinguishing the two venues that operate today from older names such as Sun Casino and Monte-Carlo Bay Casino, which still appear in outdated guides.
Why Is Monaco Famous for Casinos?
Casino gaming has been closely connected with Monte-Carlo since the nineteenth century.
The gaming concession that led to the creation of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer dates to 1863. The casino business became part of a broader resort strategy that also included luxury hotels, restaurants, entertainment and cultural venues. The district itself developed around this new resort economy and became internationally associated with wealth, travel and entertainment.
The casino was never just another gambling hall. Monte-Carlo was designed as a destination.
Visitors arrived for the gaming rooms but also for the Hôtel de Paris, gardens, theatre, restaurants and Mediterranean setting. That combination helped create the image of Monaco that still exists today: formal evening wear, luxury cars around Casino Square and ornate interiors rather than the huge gaming-floor model associated with Las Vegas.
Monaco’s compact size also makes the casino district unusual. Both active casinos are located on the same famous square, surrounded by some of the Principality’s best-known luxury properties. But if you can’t visit Monaco, you can play casino games like the Big Win 777 slot online at your own home.
How Many Casinos Are in Monaco Today?
The current answer is two.
Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, which holds the gaming privilege in the Principality, officially states that it operates:
- Casino de Monte-Carlo
- Casino Café de Paris
Both are situated on Place du Casino. SBM describes Casino de Monte-Carlo as the historic reference property for table games and Casino Café de Paris as the more modern venue, with a strong focus on automatic machines.
This is worth emphasizing because some older websites still list four Monaco casinos.
Historic names such as Sun Casino and Monte-Carlo Bay Casino remain familiar to travelers and may still appear in old tourism PDFs, archived reviews and search results. However, SBM’s current corporate material identifies only the two Place du Casino establishments as operating casinos in Monaco.
Casino de Monte-Carlo — Monaco’s Most Famous Casino
Casino de Monte-Carlo is the landmark most people imagine when they hear “Monaco casino.”
It dominates Place du Casino with an elaborate Belle Époque façade, ornamental towers and richly decorated interiors. Monaco’s official tourism site describes it as an international reference in gaming and entertainment and highlights its distinctive “James Bond” atmosphere.
The venue combines several identities.
It is an operating casino, an architectural attraction and part of a larger cultural complex that includes the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. Even visitors with little interest in gambling often come to Casino Square simply to see the building, gardens and surrounding hotels.
SBM currently allows daytime visits before the gaming rooms begin operating, making the property accessible as a sightseeing destination as well as a casino. Current SBM information lists visits from 10:00 to 13:00 and gaming rooms from 14:00.
History and Architecture of Casino de Monte-Carlo
Casino gaming began on the site in the 1860s, while the famous architectural ensemble developed further in the following years.
Charles Garnier, the architect associated with the Paris Opéra, designed the Opéra de Monte-Carlo and major parts of the later casino complex. Monaco’s tourism materials highlight the Belle Époque character of the building and the adjoining Salle Garnier.
Inside, the casino is known for marble, decorative ceilings, gilded details and formal gaming salons.
This architectural identity is a major reason Casino de Monte-Carlo is more famous internationally than many much larger casinos. Its reputation depends as much on the surroundings as on the gaming itself.
The casino also occupies a central place in the development of modern Monte-Carlo. The growth of SBM, the luxury hotel business and the casino district helped turn what had been a relatively undeveloped area into Monaco’s most recognizable quarter.
Games at Casino de Monte-Carlo
Casino de Monte-Carlo remains the more traditional of Monaco’s two casinos.
SBM specifically lists table games including French roulette, English roulette, blackjack and punto banco among the casino’s main offerings.
That emphasis fits the venue’s character.
Rather than being built primarily around rows of modern slot machines, Casino de Monte-Carlo is associated with traditional European casino games, formal salons and a more ceremonial gaming experience.
Slot machines are available as well, but visitors interested mainly in electronic gaming may find the Casino Café de Paris more aligned with that preference.
For travelers who want the classic Monte-Carlo experience — roulette tables, historic rooms and formal surroundings — Casino de Monte-Carlo is the obvious choice.
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Casino Café de Paris — The Modern Alternative
Casino Café de Paris sits on the same Place du Casino but offers a noticeably different experience.
SBM describes it as modern, innovative and welcoming. Its current gaming floor includes around 360 slot machines, as well as table games and electronic gaming.
Where Casino de Monte-Carlo emphasizes heritage and formal gaming salons, Casino Café de Paris feels more contemporary.
The casino is particularly well known for its large slot-machine selection. Monaco’s tourism authority describes it as offering the Principality’s biggest range of machines, alongside blackjack, English roulette and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
This makes it popular with visitors who want to experience gambling in Monte-Carlo without making the evening primarily about the historic surroundings.
Games at Casino Café de Paris
The Casino Café de Paris offers a broader electronic-gaming focus than its historic neighbor.
Current SBM information lists approximately 360 slot machines together with blackjack, punto banco, French roulette, American roulette and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Electronic roulette is also part of the offering.
The casino also has outdoor gaming terraces.
These areas allow certain games and machines to be played outside, adding a distinctly Monaco element to the experience because the terraces overlook the Casino district rather than an enclosed resort interior.
Current published hours indicate slot machines from 10:00 and table games from 16:00, although visitors should always confirm the schedule before going because operating hours can change.
Casino de Monte-Carlo vs Casino Café de Paris
The two casinos are close geographically but quite different in style.
|
Feature |
Casino de Monte-Carlo |
Casino Café de Paris |
|
Main appeal |
History, architecture, traditional gaming |
Modern gaming, slots, electronic games |
|
Location |
Place du Casino |
Place du Casino |
|
Atmosphere |
Formal and historic |
Contemporary and energetic |
|
Table games |
Strong focus |
Available |
|
Slot machines |
Available |
Major focus |
|
Sightseeing value |
Very high |
Mainly gaming-oriented |
|
Best for |
First-time Monaco visitors, traditional casino experience |
Slots, electronic gaming, casual casino visit |
For most tourists, Casino de Monte-Carlo is the more memorable building. Casino Café de Paris is generally the more practical choice for someone primarily interested in a modern gaming floor.
What Happened to Sun Casino and Monte-Carlo Bay Casino?
Older Monaco casino guides often list four establishments rather than two.
Those guides usually include Sun Casino, formerly associated with the Fairmont Monte Carlo, and Monte-Carlo Bay Casino at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort.
These names are part of Monaco’s casino history, but they should not be presented as current operating casinos in a 2026 guide. SBM’s own current corporate material lists only Casino de Monte-Carlo and Casino Café de Paris as casinos operating in the Principality.
This is an important SEO and factual distinction because many older travel pages remain indexed and can give the impression that Monaco still has four active casino properties.
The hotels and resort buildings connected with those former gaming venues may still exist, but that does not mean their casino floors are currently operating.
Entry Rules for Monaco Casinos
Casino entry in Monaco is regulated.
Monaco law prohibits access to gaming establishments for people under 18 years old. The law also provides rules concerning excluded persons and other restricted categories.
SBM’s current admission information requires a valid passport or national photo ID for its casinos. Casino de Monte-Carlo and Casino Café de Paris both state that visitors must be adults and not barred from gambling.
This means visitors should not rely on being able to enter simply because they look older than 18.
Bring physical identification and check the casino’s current conditions before visiting.
Dress Code and ID Requirements
Casino de Monte-Carlo is the more formal venue.
SBM requires appropriate dress for access to the gaming rooms, and the property has historically applied stricter standards in the evening. Smart casual clothing is the safest choice if you intend to play rather than simply visit the public areas.
Casino Café de Paris is generally more relaxed in atmosphere, although normal casino admission requirements still apply.
For both establishments, carrying a valid passport or national photo ID is essential.
Because dress policies and opening arrangements can change for events or private functions, checking SBM’s current information before a visit is sensible.
Can Monaco Citizens Gamble in the Casinos?
One of the most unusual facts about Monaco’s casino system is that Monégasque citizens are not allowed to participate in casino gambling.
Article 11 of Monaco’s gambling law states that Monégasques, along with certain state and public-sector employees, cannot participate in games in gaming establishments.
The rule creates an unusual situation: Monaco is internationally famous for casino gaming, but its own citizens are restricted from taking part.
The casinos have historically depended heavily on visitors and international customers rather than the local Monegasque population.
Which Monaco Casino Is Better for First-Time Visitors?
For a first visit to Monaco, Casino de Monte-Carlo is the stronger choice if the main goal is sightseeing and experiencing the famous Monte-Carlo atmosphere.
The architecture, Casino Square, gardens and historic interiors make it more than a gaming venue.
If the primary goal is actually to play slot machines or electronic games in a less formal environment, Casino Café de Paris may be more convenient.
Because the two properties are on the same square, visitors do not really need to choose only one.
It is easy to see Casino de Monte-Carlo first and then walk to Casino Café de Paris to compare the atmosphere.
Can You Visit Casino de Monte-Carlo Without Gambling?
Yes.
SBM currently offers daytime visits before the main gaming period begins. Published information lists visits between 10:00 and 13:00, with gaming rooms opening from 14:00.
This makes Casino de Monte-Carlo unusual among famous gaming properties.
Someone can visit primarily for its architecture and history without needing to sit at a roulette or blackjack table.
The nearby gardens, Casino Square and Opéra Garnier also make the area worthwhile even for non-gamblers. Monaco tourism materials specifically present the casino as part of the Principality’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit the Casinos in Monaco
The best time depends on what you want to experience.
Daytime is better for architecture, photography and sightseeing around Casino Square. Casino de Monte-Carlo’s dedicated visitor period makes the morning particularly suitable for seeing the building without the atmosphere of an active evening gaming floor.
Evening is more appropriate for the traditional Monte-Carlo casino experience.
The square becomes livelier, restaurants and bars fill up, and Casino de Monte-Carlo takes on the formal atmosphere for which it is famous.
Casino Café de Paris is a practical alternative if you prefer a more contemporary environment or want a larger selection of machines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Famous Casinos in Monaco
What is the most famous casino in Monaco?
Casino de Monte-Carlo is the most famous. Its Belle Époque architecture, long history and prominent position on Casino Square have made it an international symbol of Monaco.
How many active casinos are in Monaco?
SBM currently operates two casinos in Monaco: Casino de Monte-Carlo and Casino Café de Paris.
Is Casino Café de Paris the same as Casino de Monte-Carlo?
No. They are separate casinos located close to each other on Place du Casino. Casino de Monte-Carlo is the historic venue, while Casino Café de Paris has a more modern, slot-focused offering.
Is Sun Casino still open in Monaco?
It is not included in SBM’s current list of operating Monaco casinos. Current official material lists only Casino de Monte-Carlo and Casino Café de Paris.
Is Monte-Carlo Bay Casino still operating?
It is likewise absent from SBM’s current operating casino list. The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort remains a major Monaco property, but it should not be confused with a currently operating casino.
How old do you have to be to enter a Monaco casino?
The minimum age is 18 under Monaco law. Valid identification is required by the casinos.
Can Monaco citizens gamble at Casino de Monte-Carlo?
Monégasque citizens are legally prohibited from participating in casino games in Monaco.
Can tourists visit without gambling?
Yes. Casino de Monte-Carlo offers a daytime visitor period before gaming begins.
Conclusion
If you are asking what are the famous casinos in Monaco, the modern answer is simpler than many older travel guides suggest.
Monaco currently has two active casinos: Casino de Monte-Carlo and Casino Café de Paris. Both are operated by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and both are located on Place du Casino.
Casino de Monte-Carlo is the iconic one. It combines nineteenth-century history, Belle Époque architecture, traditional table games and the formal atmosphere most people associate with Monte-Carlo.
Casino Café de Paris is the contemporary alternative. It focuses more strongly on slot machines and electronic gaming while still offering established table games such as blackjack and roulette.
Older names including Sun Casino and Monte-Carlo Bay Casino remain part of Monaco’s gaming history but should not be counted among the current operating casinos.
For a first-time visitor, the two active properties complement each other well: Casino de Monte-Carlo provides the historic experience, while Casino Café de Paris shows the modern side of Monaco gaming.
