When it comes to casino gaming, Italy may not be the first country that springs to mind. Known for its art, culture and cuisine, this Southern European country makes for an unlikely destination for poker fans and professional casino players. However, you’ll be surprised to learn just how intense the gaming scene is in Italy. While they may lack the scale and neon-drenched spectacle of Las Vegas venues, casinos in the country are nevertheless highly sophisticated settings that provide an array of gaming options. Here’s an in-depth look at the very best in luxury casinos across Italy, including how to navigate the country’s gaming landscape.
Casino gaming in Italy
Italy’s casino gaming landscape is characterised by a mix of historic and modern venues, each providing a unique experience. The country has a regulated gaming environment overseen by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (Customs and Monopolies Agency), which ensures fair play by enforcing and maintaining stringent licensing conditions. As with much of Italian culture, there are notable differences between the gaming scene in Northern and Southern Italy. For instance, casino and poker gaming in Southern Italy is often intertwined with local festivals and events. In Northern Italy, however, casino gaming is more of an extravaganza, mainly since this region is home to the world’s oldest casinos.
In terms of digital casino gaming, while it is legalised in the country, the landscape looks very different to other European territories such as the UK or even the newly emerging gaming industry in the US. New rules from the Italian Board of Ministries now dictate that any platforms operating in the country must apply for a gaming licence that lasts up to 9 years. As for international operators, whether their platforms are accessible in the country or not depends on the individual brand. For a US-based operator like Party Poker, it may be possible to access some games and bonus offers offshore (click here to see more details). However, it’s important to state that playing real money games on licensed platforms is only advisable.
Italian regions to visit for Casino gaming
Now that you have a better idea of how casino and poker gaming operate in the country, let’s take a closer look at the top regions to visit for a luxurious casino gaming experience.
VENETO – This northeastern region offers a unique blend of history and luxury; Venice itself has historically been associated with glamorous gaming parlours and thrilling casino activities. The Casino di Venezia, located on the Grand Canal in Venice, is the oldest casino in the world, dating back to 1638. It’s housed in the magnificent Ca’ Vendramin Calergi palace, a historic building that once served as the winter residence of the Doges of Venice. Visitors can enjoy games such as roulette, blackjack, Caribbean poker, Chemin de Fer, and various slot machines. Naturally, this venue demands elegant attire, with men expected to wear a jacket. While the dress code is slightly relaxed during the summer, bright clothing is still required.
AOSTA VALLEY – The Aosta Valley in the northwest is where you’ll find the Casino de la Vallée in Saint-Vincent, which is a favourite with the jet set. Nestled among some stunning Alpine scenery, the casino offers a wide range of gaming options and luxurious facilities, including roulette, blackjack, various types of poker, Punto Banco, and an extensive selection of slot machines. It’s also a hotspot for elite players, regularly hosting international poker tournaments. Smart casual is the dress code here for visitors, although, for high-stakes events, it’s not typically enforced (most pro players prefer to dress more low-key, as they need comfort during those marathon events).
LOMBARDY – Campione d’Italia, an Italian exclave within Switzerland, is part of the Lombardy region and boasts one of the largest casinos in Europe. The Casino di Campione, perched on the shores of Lake Lugano, fuses a striking modern architectural design with luxurious interiors. All the usual suspects are on offer here, including roulette, blackjack, Texas Hold’em, baccarat, and over 500 slot machines. Due to the regular special events held at the casino, guests often request formal attire. Generally speaking, though, smart casual is enough for access to the day-to-day gaming floor.
Article edited by Charles Brown