Most Popular Casinos in Italy To Visit On Your Next Vacation
Italy is a country that is known for its rich history, exquisite cuisine, and stunning landscapes. But many don't realize that it also boasts a vibrant gambling scene. The tradition of gambling in Italy dates back to the Roman Empire, and the country has been a significant contributor to the growth of betting in Western Europe.
The term "casino" itself has Italian roots, further emphasizing the country's influence on the gambling industry.
In the early days, gambling was widespread across Italy, with casinos sprouting up in every corner of the country. However, in 1923, the government under Mussolini introduced a law that restricted gambling, allowing only a select few casinos to operate.
Despite these restrictions, the desire to gamble remained strong among Italians, leading to the popularity of games like Bingo and Tombola.
Today, Italy has a thriving gambling scene, both offline and online. The country introduced legislation in 2006 that allowed companies to offer sports betting in shops and on the internet, a move that was contrary to the restrictive measures being implemented by many EU countries at the time.
Currently, there are over 200 gambling websites in Italy, with about 150 of them being online casino websites.
Italy's Land-Based Casinos
Italy is home to five traditional land-based casinos, each housed in a unique and impressive building. These casinos, all located in the northern regions of the country, attract tourists from all around the world, as well as locals.
Casinò Municipale di Sanremo:
This majestic casino, which opened its doors at the beginning of the 20th century, is located in the city of Sanremo. It offers a variety of slot machines and table games, as well as spacious rooms for avid poker players.
Casino de la Vallee
Situated in the Aosta Valley, the smallest region in Italy, this casino is, quite ironically, the largest one in the country.
The casino, surrounded by the high peaks of the Alps, is also a luxury resort with all the facilities and accomodations one could wish for.
Casino di Campione:
This casino is owned and operated by the Italian government and is a major source of income for the city of Campione, offering a unique gambling experience in an Italian enclave located in Switzerland.
Casino di Venezia:
The Casino di Venezia, which is the oldest casino in Europe, is spread across two locations in Venice: Ca' Vendramin Calergi and Ca' Noghera. The former is a Renaissance palace overlooking the Grand Canal, while the latter, opened in the late '90s, was the first Italian casino to offer American games.
Casino Municipale di Venezia (Winter Casino):
This is the second location of the Casino di Venezia, offering a different ambiance and a variety of games. These casinos offer a wide range of games, including poker, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and slot machines. In this casino, Trente et Quarante (Thirty and Forty), a game dating back to the 17th century, is particularly popular among Italians.
Online casinos in Italy
Amidst the allure of Italy's physical casinos, some of the best online casinos in Italy offer a modern twist to the nation's gambling tradition. These virtual platforms provide a convenient and expansive gaming experience, accessible from the comfort of one's home or on the go.
Italian players can indulge in a plethora of games, including video slots, classic slots, jackpots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and even live dealer games that bring the casino atmosphere to the screen.
Moreover, the online gambling landscape in Italy is fully regulated, providing players with a safe and fair gaming environment. The Autonomous Administration of State Monopolies (AAMS) licenses over 100 legal online casinos, ensuring that Italian gamblers have access to some of the best games on the market. With the convenience of mobile-optimized websites and sometimes dedicated apps, players can enjoy their favorite casino games anytime and anywhere.
Conclusion
The future of gambling in Italy looks promising, with expectations of further relaxation of gambling laws. This is likely to bring in much-needed tax revenue for the country, which is privately wealthy but publicly poor. Whether you're a seasoned gambler or a curious tourist, Italy's casinos offer a unique blend of history, culture, and excitement that's hard to resist.
