Ancient Jackpots: The Oldest Casinos Still Rolling the Dice
Dive Into Casino History and Check Out Some of the Oldest Establishments Still Rolling the Dice!
Gamble Like It’s 1638
Some casinos are more than just places to gamble—they’re living pieces of history. For centuries, these legendary establishments have been synonymous with wealth, power, and high-stakes glamour.
If you’ve ever wanted to sip champagne where kings, composers, and casino legends once placed their bets, these are the historic gambling halls that have been in casino news for hundreds of years.
5. Casino Spielbank Bad Homburg – Bad Homburg, Germany (1841)
Casino Spielbank is fifth on our list and was opened in 1841 by twin brothers Louis and François Blanc, Bad Homburg Casino was a hotspot until Prussia banned gambling. But like any good gambler, it made a comeback—reopening in 1949 and thriving ever since.
Today, players can hit up eight roulette tables (French and American), try four blackjack variations like Chance Blanc and Free Bet Blackjack, or join poker tournaments. Plus, there are 140+ machines waiting for you.
4. Kurhaus of Baden-Baden – Baden-Baden, Germany (1824)
If you’re looking for old-money glamour, the Kurhaus is your spot. The architecture is stunning (as you’d expect from 1800s Germany). But don’t let the marble columns fool you—this place has seen some serious action.
When France banned gambling in the 1830s, French high-rollers wasted no time crossing the border to get their fix at the Kurhaus, turning it into a full-blown gambling hotspot. And if you believe the lore, it’s yet another German casino that may have inspired Dostoyevsky’s The Gambler. He said it best:
“One turn of the wheel, and all will be changed, and those very moralists will be the first (I am convinced of that) to come up to congratulate me with friendly jests.” Translation? The man loved roulette.
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Fast forward to today, and people are still gambling here. The Kurhaus offers both French and American roulette, alongside blackjack tables and poker cash games. And there are 140+ slot machines waiting to test your luck.
3. Casino Wiesbaden- Wiesbaden, Germany (1771)
Bringing us to third place on our list is Casino Wiesbaden, located in the heart of beautiful Germany. And again, if you love existentialist Russian literature, you might recognize this spot—it’s allegedly where Dostoyevsky lost everything and, in turn, found inspiration for The Gambler. Talk about method writing. If you’re really about that life, you’ll go all in like our boy Dostoy and who knows? Maybe it’ll spark some genius in you too.
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Aside from its storied literary history, Casino Wiesbaden offers plenty of reasons to visit. Players can enjoy roulette (both European and American), blackjack, poker, and more than 190 slot machines, including progressive jackpots. This casino claims to pay out up to $2.5 million in winnings per day, so if you’re feeling lucky, it might just be worth the trip.
2. Casino de Spa – Spa, Belgium (1763)
The second-oldest casino in the world, Casino de Spa was already making history in 1763 while British colonists were just starting to stir up ideas about the American Revolution. And fun fact—yes, the word “spa” actually comes from the town of Spa, Belgium, famous for its thermal springs since ancient times. So if you’re planning a visit, you’re in for a relaxing yet high-stakes getaway.
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Poker players love this spot for its rich history, alongside its 152 gaming machines, nine table games, and dedicated poker room. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the slots, or the showdown at the poker table, Casino de Spa is a must-add to your casino bucket list.
1. Casino di Venezia – Venice, Italy (1638)
And now, for the crown jewel—Casino di Venezia, the oldest casino in the world. This casino is a legit Renaissance palace located on the Grand Canal in Venice. If that’s not architectural beauty, I don’t know what is. Back in the day, though, it wasn’t just a casino, it was a theater which is probably why the building is so beautiful.
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Over the next century, Venice really popped off in terms of gambling, with 120 more casinos being built over the next 100 years. Back then, the most popular game was Basetta—a wild mix of blackjack, poker, and gin rummy—where winners could cash out at 60x their original bet. Fast forward to today, and Casino di Venezia has fully evolved into a gambler’s paradise. Visitors can try their luck at blackjack, roulette, poker, and 600 slot machines.
Now, friends, we know that hopping on a plane to Europe just because Dostoyevsky may or may not have spun a roulette wheel there isn’t exactly feasible for most of us. Thankfully, you don’t need a passport—or a trust fund—to get in on the cash casino action.
These days, you can hit up the online casino, where you can play blackjack for money or try your luck at any other game your heart’s desire… But, unfortunately, if you’re a reincarnated noble from the 1600s, we regret to inform you that Basetta is no longer on the menu.
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