The Monte Carlo Casino is situated in Monaco, the world's second-smallest country. I got there by train, alighted at the Monaco Monte Carlo station, and simply followed the signs. If you're coming through the port, follow signs pointing to an elevator or stairs that bring you near the Hotel de Paris, a few steps away from the Casino Garden. 

Hotel 

I stayed at the Hotel de Paris opposite the casino, which offered me a chance to experience the luxury enjoyed by the rich, famous, and high rollers. Available for $16,000 per night, the Diamond Suite is where the elite enjoy a luxurious yet leisurely stay in Monaco while enjoying the breathtaking sea view.

I learned about a secret tunnel connecting the casino to the hotel, which would allow celebrities and royalty to discreetly access the gaming rooms without running into the paparazzi. 

Casino

The casino's architecture is truly stunning! While the exterior of the 'Place du Casino' building appeared modest, stepping through the doors revealed a legendary gaming hall. The large opulent interiors, adorned with bright lights and intricate paintings, exude luxury and a rich history. It felt like I was stepping into a James Bond movie scene! Indeed, Agent 007 is famously associated with this renowned casino.

Charles Garnier, also the architect behind the Paris Opera House, constructed the iconic Monte-Carlo Casino, which has been an integral part of Monaco's life since its inauguration in 1863 and served as a significant source of revenue for the country's economy for many years.   

Staff and Dealers

The staff was very friendly and helpful. One of them, who had worked there for over two decades, gave me a tour of the building and was very jovial throughout the whole tour. The casino dealers are experienced, friendly, and professionally dressed. From their wealth of knowledge, you could tell they're pros! 

Smoking Areas 

Customers aren't allowed to smoke in the gaming rooms. However, the Casino Café de Paris, a restaurant and coffeehouse located next to the casino, offers year-round enjoyment in a comfortable setting and allows smoking without restriction.

Safety and Security 

Security is paramount, as you’d expect from an establishment dedicated to serving the ultra-wealthy. Monaco has one of the highest police-to-population ratios in the world. Monegasque officers swiftly approach anyone exhibiting suspicious behaviour, using force if necessary for removal. The casino also has concealed security cameras everywhere. So you can walk around the casino even at midnight without worrying about being robbed or harassed.

Bars and Restaurants 

Casino Café de Paris offers a luxurious, expensive, and opulent experience, but you can still enjoy a snack. I sat outside to sip cocktails while admiring the luxurious cars cruising by. 

Away from the high prices, the cuisine is delicious. If you're trying to stick to a budget, treat yourself to the renowned Barbagiun, a savoury pastry filled with Swiss ricotta and chard. It might not look like much, but it's delectable and uniquely Monegasque. 

Customer Service 

The casino's website has an FAQ page. It also has an email address and a phone number, which I called while making reservations. Even at the casino, you can't be left hanging, as there's a help desk to answer questions and resolve issues. 

ATM & Cashless Gaming

You can't play at the casino without money. Thankfully, a cashier is available to exchange any currency. So, no matter where you're from, you can join in on the excitement. There’s also an ATM spot at the Hotel de Paris. Furthermore, Monte Carlo Casino offers cashless gaming. The concierge informed me that I could play the chips with my Mastercard or Visa card. 

Wheelchair Accessibility 

The staff outside the entrance were glad to assist wheelchair users. Upon entering the casino, I found the main floor wheelchair accessible, with spacious hallways and smooth, flat surfaces.

The Monte Carlo Casino attracts some of the world's wealthiest and most selective gamers. I found all my table favourites, including Craps, Baccarat, Blackjack, Stud Poker, and Roulette. Thanks to the casino's international clientele, the renowned French Roulette gained global popularity.

Table Games

The Casino de Monte-Carlo boasts about 140 gaming tables across various rooms, featuring Blackjack, Poker, Baccarat, and Roulette. I like to mix up my bets when playing, typically ranging from ten to twenty credits and occasionally going up to fifty when I'm having a good run.

The blackjack games feature real shuffles – the dealer manually mixes the cards after each shoe, unlike the continuous shuffling machines we see these days. Players also get to choose where to place the cut card. This practice would be more advantageous for players, offering a slight chance for counting cards. The dealers here were friendly and fair, and I won some money. 

Slot Machines 

The casino has about 1,000 slot machines, ranging from traditional lever-operated machines to modern video options with advanced graphics and bonus features. I went to the Salle Renaissance to see the classic slot machine. 

The casino also features exclusive gaming rooms for elite players, offering higher stakes and an even more luxurious experience.

Popular Games

Undoubtedly, the highlight of this iconic gambling destination is Roulette. Whether it's the influence of James Bond films or the exclusivity of French Roulette to the Monte Carlo Casino, some players visit Monaco solely for this game. With a minimum bet of just €5, it caters to players of all levels. I also found a James Bond-themed penny slot machine at the casino. I played the game and won €25 – not much, but I cashed it in. 

Game Quality and Betting Limits 

The gaming quality at Monte Carlo Casino is top-notch. Technicians inspect the Roulette wheels daily, checking their balance and level and examining the white balls for defects. The dice also undergo thorough inspections to ensure fair gaming outcomes.

Bet amounts in the public casino hall range from €5 to €3000. However, if you decide to move to a private room, the minimum stake becomes €10, and there's no maximum limit.

Monte Carlo Casino occasionally offers bonuses and rewards to its customers. If you spend time at the Train Bleu or Salon Rose restaurants, play at the Monte Carlo Casino, or take a relaxing break at the Salle Europe Lounge Bar, here are some rewards you could enjoy:

• €10 refund on your ticket starting from €40 spent at either the Train Bleu or Salon Rose
• €10 worth of free slot credits
• €10 discount on any order made at the Salle Europe Lounge Bar

Loyalty Programme

Monte Carlo Casino offers a loyalty programme known as My Monte Carlo. The My Monte-Carlo programme has four levels – Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Basic. As a member of this programme, you can get up to €150 in credits to play your favourite slot games at the Casino Café de Paris and Monte Carlo Casino.

To participate in this offer, visit the counters at the Monte Carlo Casino to request a bonus voucher booklet from the customer service agents. These vouchers can be exchanged weekly and credited to your card, allowing you to extend your fun at the slot machines further. You can meet the customer service representatives at the casino to learn the terms and conditions. 

The weekly bonuses you qualify for depend on your level:

• Platinum: Up to €150
• Gold: Up to €100
• Silver: Up to €70
• Basic: Up to €50

Members of the loyalty programme can also get personalised support and several other perks, including:

• Welcome bonus upon registering for the programme
• Free access to the casino from Silver level membership
• Each upgrade to a new status comes with surprises
• Enjoy access to the Monte Carlo SBM shuttles

Whether it's your first time in a casino or not, you're in for a treat at Monte Carlo Casino, as the atmosphere is truly unparalleled. The grandeur and luxury of the Monte Carlo Casino will leave you breathless from the moment you step into the marble-columned atrium down to the spacious Salle Renaissance. Its overall lavishness creates an ambience of relaxed excitement and sophistication.

The first gaming room is the Salle Europe, with eight large Bohemian-glass candelabras, where you can play French Roulette. Here, the ambience is quiet and discreet. Guests are expected to dress in dinner jackets or smart, dark suits and elegant cocktail dresses. Whispers between dealers and players echo throughout the hall, occasionally punctuated by the sound of balls rolling on Roulette tables or chips exchanging hands.

Cleanliness

Monte Carlo Casino pays detailed attention to every part of its facilities. If you step into the casino before gaming hours, you'll be greeted by the hum of vacuum cleaners and valets cleaning the gaming tables and polishing slot machines carefully to remove any dirt that could compromise or disturb the gaming. I was astonished at how they take special care of the decks of cards, storing them in a dedicated room maintained at 20°C. This room contains approximately 36,000 packs of cards. 

Food and Drinks

You can unwind with a drink at the gaming tables inside or step outside to enjoy views of the French Riviera while playing. I found two restaurants in the casino – one in the centre of the casino and the other adjacent to the gaming halls.

To access either restaurant, you'll undergo an ID check and pay a €17 admission fee, which is refundable if you spend more than €30 per person on food. The restaurants offer a wide variety of drinks, beverages, and delicacies. You can order the gourmet Mediterranean menu with the finest wines recommended by a sommelier. 

Amenities

The Monte Carlo building complex also features a ballet and opera theatre, popularly referred to as the Salle Garnier. The Salle Garnier presents five operas per season, making it an occasional spot to unwind.

In my experience, the Monte Carlo Casino surpassed all expectations. Stepping into its grand halls, I felt like a character in a James Bond film. The high anticipation at the gaming tables and the buzzing atmosphere kept me engaged for hours. From the intricate architecture to the friendly staff and experienced dealers, every detail contributed to an unforgettable experience.

Whether you're a seasoned gambler or simply seeking a memorable outing, the Monte Carlo Casino delivers. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind land-based casino experience. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

You can conveniently access Monte Carlo Casino by bike or car. It's also a 15-minute walk from Monaco's train station. From the airport in Nice it takes about 35 minutes by taxi. If you get to Monaco by train, the casino is a short walk from the station. Here's how to find it: //maps.app.goo.gl/fnDrfjrfQ5NF9FTx5. 

Here are a few other land based casinos I visited recently:

• Venetian Macao Casino
• Grand Lisboa Casino
• MGM Macau Casino
• City of Dreams Casino
• Galaxy Macau Casino
• The Sands Casino in Macau