Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo is considered to be the most glamouress of all the gambling destinations around the world, and is one of four quarters comprising the principality of Monaco (population 32,672), located on the Mediterranean coast close to Nice, France.


With Italy close by, Monte Carlo is wonderfully situated between both the French and Italian Rivieras. Of Monaco's four quarters, Monte Carlo ranks as the wealthiest, due in most part its famous casinos, which continue to attract high rollers and celebrities from all around the globe. The citizens of Monaco are exempt from paying taxes, as well as prohibited from entering the gaming rooms.


Monte Carlo's Rich History
In 1873, British engineer Joseph Jagger became known as "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo" by capitalising on a bias he discovered in one of the roulette wheels inside the casino. The bank, of course, was the casino. Joseph Jagger is also believed to have been a distant relative of the Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger.


In 1953, Monte Carlo served as the setting for Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel, "Casino Royale." In 1995, another James Bond story, ‘Golden Eye' was also set in Monte Carlo.


First-Class Casinos
Monte Carlo's most celebrated casino is the beautifully designed Casino de Monte-Carlo. Inside this palatial gaming heaven is the primary gambling hall known as the Salle Européene, or European Room, in English. Here, for a mere eight Euros, you can walk in and help yourself to the lavish table games including Roulette, Blackjack (vingt-et-un), and Trente et Quarante (30 and 40). If slot machines are more your style, you'll find plenty of them located in the Salon Rose, meaning the Pink Salon, as well as in the Salle Blanche, or White Room.


High rollers can be found bumming around the Salles Privées, which, translated into English, means Private Rooms. Ooh la la! For another 15 Euros, gamblers can play for minimum bets of 80 Euros. To play in these back rooms, men are required to wear a jacket and tie. Doors open at 3 pm. Minimum legal age for gambling is 21, so you may want to bring your passport.


The Sun Casino located in the Monte Carlo Grand hotel is another popular favourite. Sitting right next to the waterfront convention center, here you can expect over 430 slot machines to choose from, as well as Roulette Américaine (American Roulette), and - of course - Craps, Blackjack and Baccarat.


Located at the back of the lavish Café de Paris dining room you'll find rows and rows of slots, plus all the standard classics like American Roulette, Craps, Blackjack, and more.


Also at the waterfront is the Salle des Palmiers situated inside Le Sporting - an entertainment complex opened during the summer months only. Here you will find all the famous European games, like English Roulette to Chemin de Fer. The games are available at night.


Europe's Finest Games
Tired of that whole Vegas scene? Looking for some new action? Then Monte Carlo may just be the place for you. Here you'll find a number of games rarely available in the States (if at all). For instance, you can choose between European, American, and English Roulette. Or how about trying your luck at Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, Banque à Deux Tableaux, or Trente et Quarante. Of course, you'll also find the regular games like Blackjack, Craps, and Poker here too.


Dining
Visitors to Monte Carlo will have no difficulty satisfying their appetites as restaurants and cafes are bountiful here as well. Monaco serves up everything from fine French cuisine to Japanese to Tex-Mex. Also, not every restaurant in Monte Carlo will burn a whole through your pocket. There are plenty of sandwich joints too where you can choose from delicious toasted breads like focaccia, paninis and bruschettas.


Entertainment
Had enough gambling for now? Monte Carlo also features a rich array of entertainment possibilities including museums, spas, the Monte-Carlo Opera, Monte-Carlo Ballet, the Philharmonic Orchestra, plus tours in and around Monaco. Also, besides be an excellent place to spot famous people (I saw Julio Iglesias there once, and can only assume he saw me too), Monte Carlo also plays host to a number of world-class events, such as the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, as well as the Monte Carlo Rally - said to be the world's longest-running and most respected auto rally race.


Hotels
Monte Carlo offers up a fine selection of hotels from which to choose. Below are just some of the more popular ones:

Alexandra Hotel
Balmoral Hotel
Hotel De Paris
Hotel Mirabeau
Hotel Hermitage
Hotel du Louvre
Monte Carlo Beach Hotel
Monte Carlo Grand Hotel


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