Why an online Ponzi scheme when one could actually enjoy the colorful ambiance in a casino, it’s theatrical production and the victory that comes with each fleeting moment.
I moved to Budapest, Hungary in 2017 and to hear the chattering of people throwing down money, the clacking of chips and the dinging of slot machines, my friends and I have decided to visit three of EU’s best casinos during our EU tour with the hope that we do not get lost as well.
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· Casino Baden – Baden
Casino Baden-Baden is located in Germany a Western European country with Berlin as its capital. However, the casino itself is situated in Kurhaus, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.[1]
Photocredit: Casino Baden-Baden
Distinguished by its design and from an artistic point of view, Casino Baden-Baden which dates way back to 1809 with over 140 slot machines and 20 popular table for games, has been described as the most beautiful casino in the world.[2] Asides from looking forward to the turns of the wheel, I am also eager to experience the spa services and horse racing.
Travel tips: asides from trying not to forget your cash at home as you need to pay €5 entrance free and minimum bet is €2, if male and intend visiting make sure you dress like a gentleman with your jacket and tie while the ladies are expected to wear an appropriate attire preferably a gown.[3] In addition to the above, one of the laws and gaming regulations requires admittance based on a valid passport or ID card which does not include driver’s license.[4]
· Casino De Monte Carlo
Casino De Monte Carlo Located in Monaco a sovereign state in Western Europe and the capital of Monte-Carlo is said to include the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo, and the office of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo.[5]
Photo credit: Casino De Monte Carlo
Princess Caroline was the brain behind the casino as she saw it as a way to deliver Monaco from the financial crisis, therefore, Monaco gaming law forbids locals from gaming.[6]
Photo credit: Casino Monaco
It is one of the oldest casinos in the world as it has been in operation since 1863, it also prides in having the royal family of Monaco as its majority stakeholder, with over 1000 slot machines the highest in EU.[7]
Travel tip: if you are a lover of food, I hear this place holds the surrealist dinners to celebrate the art of the game.
· Las Vegas Casino
Located in the heart of Budapest, my attention was easily captured by the colorful ambiance which could only be compared to colors of a garden full of butterflies and flowers. The casino happens to be the only casino in Budapest with different branches in Sofitel Budapest, Tropicana, Altlantis, Atrium Eurocenter, Corvin sétány.[8]
photo credit: Las Vegas
The casino which opened in 2015 with a concession contract for of 22 years is by law only open to visitors above 18 with appropriate means of identification which does not include a driver’s license.[9]
The 7,000,000 Huf prize pool was one that tourist really looked forward to during the summer. However, my travel tip for tourists is that they should be smart enough to walk away even from a winning streak!!!
[1] Casinoapp.com, “Discover Europe’s 5 finest land-based casinos” https://www.casinoapp.com/app-news/discover-europes-5-finest-land-based-casinos, accessed 28th October 28, 2018.
[2] About time magazine, “About time you tried: the best casinos in Europe”, https://www.abouttimemazine.co.uk/travel/top-3-best-casinos-europe accessed 28th October 28, 2018
[3] Independent, “Baden-Baden’s casino: taking a gamble”, https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/baden-badens-casino-taking-a-gamble-9743278 accessed October 28, 2018
[4] Casino Baden-Baden, “Conditions for admission”, https://www.casino-baden-baden.de/en/the-casino/conditions-for-admission accessed October 29, 2018
[5] Wikipedia, “Monte Carlo Casino” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Carlo_Casino accessed 29 October 2018
[6] Gambling Judge, “Monaco Gambling Sites and Laws” https://www.gamblingjudge.com/monaco-gambling-sites-and-laws accessed 29 October 2018
[8] Las Vegas Casino, https://lasvegascasino.hu/en accessed 29 October 2018
