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Florence has a population of around 380,000 and is ranked as the most populous city in the Tuscany region of Italy. The city is known for its art history, culture, and historic sites such as the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio. The Renaissance architecture makes this location feel like you’ve stepped back in time and can make you forget that online casinos are illegal in Italy.
No Deposit Bonus USA Casinos 2023 - Top Non-Deposit BonusesThe good news is there are land-based casinos not too far from Florence if you want to experience the thrill of gambling. In this blog, we will break down the casinos near Florence, Italy, so you know where to go when visiting this stunning part of the world.
Why You Should Consider Playing at Online Casinos from Florence, Italy
As previously mentioned, online casinos aren’t legal in Italy; however, just because something is illegal doesn’t mean people don’t do it. There are tons of Italians getting around the law by playing at unregulated casino sites, but we don’t recommend doing this.
Unregulated casino sites could be hosting malicious software designed to steal your data or implant viruses onto your computer/mobile device. If you were to win big on an unregulated site, there is every chance you wouldn’t receive your winnings.
The best way to get around the fact that you can’t gamble online legally is to use a casino site that operates legally in another country. Each of our best casino sites listed below holds a gambling license from the Malta Gaming Authority.
The MGA is one of the most reputable regulators in the online gambling industry. These sites also have thousands of positive reviews online and have “seal of approval” certificates from private firms that test them for security. With that being said, these are the best casino sites you can use if you are looking to gamble from Florence, Italy.
Casino Di Venezia
Operating since 1959, the Casino di Venezia is by far the closest casino to Florence. Located about an hour and a half from the city, this venue would still be classed as one of the casinos near Florence, Italy, especially given that there are not many in the area.
Also worth mentioning is that this casino is located within the general vicinity of two of the top tourist attractions in Italy, which are Burano Island and Murano Glass Museum. So, if you plan a trip here, you can kill two birds with one stone.
The casino covers an area of approximately 4,000 m2 (43,056 sqft) and has plenty of modern slots and games on offer. As you can see from the main picture above, the building looks fantastic and truly fits into the surrounding historic areas.
Fun Fact: In one of the most bizarre heists on record, thieves stole over 100 artwork pieces from the Casino di Venezia in 1978, including Rembrandt and Rubens originals. Thankfully, almost all of the art was returned a few months later.
What Happened to Casino de la Valle?
If you search “casinos near Florence, Italy,” on any search engine, you will find websites talking about the Casino de la Valle as if it’s still open. However, this wasn’t merely one of the many shut down by the Italian government; this place went bankrupt in 2001 and has been abandoned ever since.
There have been countless attempts to reopen this venue, but none have worked out, which is why it’s currently sitting in limbo. Some locals and tourists have even broken in to get pictures inside, which isn’t recommended for obvious reasons.
It’s worth noting that this casino is about the same distance from Florence as the Casino di Venezia but tends to be more expensive, which might explain why it went bankrupt in the first place. Given the high costs and competition, it’s probably wise for anyone looking to open a casino in the area to think again.
- Address: Viale Sarca, 341, 35126 Padova PD, Italy
- Phone: +39 049 823 111
This Venetian Gothic-inspired hotel stands out a mile off and is surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful gardens. While the outside looks similar to the image above, the inside has been modernized to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
All 262 rooms come equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, air conditioning, and en-suite bathroom with toiletries. Guests also benefit from free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and can take advantage of room service at any time of the day.
In terms of getting to the Casino di Venezia, the easiest way is by car, which should take around 15 minutes. There is also the option to drive, which takes roughly two hours and 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can get a taxi, but this will cost close to €100 each way.
- Address: Viale Machiavelli, 73, 50127 Siena SI, Italy
- Phone: +39 0577 288111
This medieval town acts as the perfect base camp for those wanting to visit both Siena and the Casino di Venezuela. The Galileo Galilei statue is only a ten-minute walk from the hotel and gets all of its visitors incredible views across Siena.
Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, mini-bar, air conditioning, and an en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi in their rooms and throughout the entire building.
To get to the Casino di Venezia, you need to jump in a taxi and pay around €170 for the journey each way. There is no direct route by bus, train, or car, which makes the taxi your next best option.
- Address: Piazza Matteotti, 1, 50121 Siena SI, Italy
- Phone: +39 0577 280611
This four-star boutique hotel has incredible views of the Piazza Matteoti fountain and is only a five-minute walk from the Duomo di Siena museum. The hotel has kept some of its original features from when it was built in the 1800s but has been brought up to date with modern amenities.
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, safe, and private bathroom with free toiletries. The Hotel Chiaraluce also serves breakfast every morning and has free Wi-Fi for guests.
Getting to the Casino di Venezia from here will set you back around €170 return in a taxi. There are no direct routes via public transport, making this the least desirable hotel for casino goers.
- Address: Dorsoduro, 2201, 30123 Venezia VE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 296804
This four-star hotel is coated in bright colors and sits right next to the Palazzo Campana. The nearest metro stop is Zattere 1, which is a seven-minutes walks away.
All rooms feature air conditioning, a fridge, kettle, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The Ca’Bergiana also offers a delicious buffet breakfast each morning for guests and has free Wi-Fi.
The closest hotel to the Casino di Venezia, CA’BERGIANA, is around a 45-minute walk or six minutes in a taxi. If you decide to get a taxi, this should cost around €10 each way.
- Address: Riva Degli Schiavoni, 4148, 30122 VeneziaVE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 522711
Located on the waterfront, the Monaco & Grand Canal offers amazing views across the Grand Canal and is less than a ten-minute walk to the Saint Mark’s Square. This hotel is full of character and charm, which is highlighted by its stunning chandeliers.
Each room has air conditioning, a fridge, flat-screen TV, safe, and tea/coffee making facilities. The Monaco also has an onsite restaurant serving local cuisine and free Wi-Fi for all guests.
To get to the Casino di Venezia from this hotel, you need to get a taxi as it’s just too far to walk. The journey should cost around €10 each way and take no more than six minutes.
Best Casino Sites That Accept PayPal Deposits in the USA 2023- Address: Riva degli Schiavoni, 4732, 30122 VeneziaVE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5227755
The Metropole is ideally situated between the Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge, which are two of the top tourist destinations in the city. This hotel dates back to the 17th century but has been fully renovated to provide everything a modern traveler desires.
Standard rooms include a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, minibar, and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Suites go a step further by adding a living room and canal views.
The Hotel Metropole has a rooftop pool and bar offering spectacular views of the city. They also serve breakfast each morning and offer free Wi-Fi to guests.
To get to the Casino di Venezia from here, you’re looking at around €10 in a taxi. It should take six minutes to cover the 3.3 kilometers separating these two venues.
- Address: Dorsoduro, 1156, 30103 Venezia VE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5288730
If you’re happy to stay a little farther out of the city, you could consider booking a room at Ca’Ruglia. This will put you back £120 per night, but you get a lot for your money.
Not only does the price include breakfast, but you also get a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, minibar, and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries in every room. There’s also a lovely garden and terrace for guests to relax in.
The Ca’Ruglia is 6.5 kilometers from the Casino di Venezia, which equates to a 15-minute taxi ride. If you fancy a walk, this will take closer to 90 minutes, so I’d advise against that…
- Address: Cannaregio, 1196, 30121 VeneziaVE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5227946
This three-star hotel is located in the heart of the Cannaregio district, which is roughly a 20-minute walk from the Saint Mark’s Basilica. The Albergo Sanroqueo provides traditional décor in all rooms, which includes air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
The hotel doesn’t offer breakfast, but each room has a kitchenette that allows you to cook and dine in if you wish. There’s also free Wi-Fi available for guests.
To get to the Casino di Venezia, you need to jump in a taxi, which costs around €15 each and every time you travel.
- Address: Dorsoduro, 3256, 30103 VeniceVE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5288142
Situated on the Dorsoduro bank, just a few minutes’ walk from the Accademia Bridge, you will find the Ca’Noghera. This 15th-century building has been restored to perfection while keeping its original features.
The Ca’Noghera comes with air conditioning, satellite channels, minibar, and a private bathroom that comes with complimentary toiletries. There’s also a shared lounge and library for guests to relax in.
Guests can enjoy a continental or buffet breakfast every morning. The reception is open 24/7, and they can help you arrange taxis or transfers to the Casino di Venezia, which should cost around €15 each way.
- Address: Santa Croce, 1736, 30122 VeneziaVE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5285710
This three-star hotel is located in the Santa Croce district, which is packed with local shops, restaurants, and bars. The Albatross Venice – Hotel e Palace is less than a twenty-minute walk to the Saint Mark’s Basilica, putting you right in the middle of the action.
Each room comes with a minibar, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The Albatross also has a buffet breakfast daily and free Wi-Fi.
Use the reception team to book a taxi to the Casino di Venezia. This should cost around €15 each way and take roughly ten minutes.
- Address: Castello, 4568, 30122 VeneziaVE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5237919
This small castle might look the part on the outside, but it also provides all modern-day amenities to ensure your stay in Venice is a memorable one. The suggested restaurant down the road, Osteria da Romula, has been rated exceptionally well by previous guests.
Every room has air conditioning, a minibar, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The Palazzino is home to a shared lounge, library, and communal kitchen.
To get to the Casino di Venezia, head to the reception and ask them to book you a taxi. This should cost around €15 each way and take ten minutes.
- Address: Dorsoduro, 3078, 30103 VeniceVE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5237103
Located next to the Accademia gallery, the Ca’Lauriga provides stunning views of the Grand Canal and is only a ten-minute walk from the Saint Mark’s Basilica. This building dates back to the 1600s but has been transformed into a modern hotel with all mod cons.
The Ca’Lauriga consists of standard and deluxe rooms, both of which include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, minibar, and private bathroom with complementary toiletries. Their rooftop terrace offers an incredible view of the city, and they also serve a delicious breakfast every morning.
To get to the Casino di Venezia, head to reception and ask them to sort out a taxi. This should cost around €15 each way.
- Address: Dorsoduro, 3468, 30103 VeniceVE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5288181
This Baroque-style building is called the Ca’Giampero, and it’s filled with hardwood floors and antique furnishings. You’ll struggle to find any straight lines or right angles in this hotel, but that’s what gives it character.
Awesome Real Money Android Gambling AppsMost rooms have canal views, and all of them include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and private bathrooms. The Ca’Giampero has a shared kitchen and lounge, along with a wonderful roof terrace.
Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast each morning before jumping in a taxi to the Casino di Venezia. This should cost around €15 each way and take ten minutes.
- Address: San Polo, 1756, 30125 VeneziaVE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5285143
The Continental Florence is located a short walk from the Santa Maria Novella basilica and train station, making it ideal for anyone who needs to hop on/off a regular basis. The exterior of this building is stunning, and the interior has been brought up to date to cater to everyone’s needs.
Each room includes a minibar, safety deposit box, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The Continental also has a restaurant and bar serving local cuisine and free Wi-Fi.
To get to the Casino di Venezia from here, you need to jump in a taxi for the 35-kilometer journey. This should take around 25 minutes and cost close to €70 each way.
- Address: Viale Fratelli Rosselli, 5, 50126 Siena SI, Italy
- Phone: +39 0577 284111
Although the Hotel Atlantico is only three stars, it’s still pretty swanky and sits right next to the seafront. This building is shaped like a boat and is roughly a thirty-minute walk from the Piazza del Duomo.
Every room has a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The Hotel Atlantico also has a bar/lounge and serves breakfast each morning. Guest can also benefit from free Wi-Fi.
To get to the Casino di Venezia, you need to get a taxi, which will cost around €150 return. There is no direct route via public transport, leaving the car as your only real option.
- Address: Viale Michelangelo, 162, 53100 Siena SI, Italy
- Phone: +39 0577 286303
If you’re looking for a four-star hotel away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, the Hotel Rocchette could be perfect. It’s a fifteen-minute walk to the Piazza del Duomo or five minutes in a taxi.
The Rocchette has an outdoor pool and sun terrace for guests to relax in during the summer months. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV, safe, air conditioning, and private bathroom with complimentry toiletries.
Must-Have Dual or Multi Monitor Casino Marketing ToolsYou can either walk to the Casino di Venezia or get a taxi. The walk will take around an hour and ten minutes, whereas the taxi will cost around €55 return.
- Address: Largo Rockefeller, 1r, 35126 Padova PD, Italy
- Phone: +39 049 6564404
Located within a ten-minute walk of the historic center of Padua, the Hotel Bastiglia provides stylish rooms with a flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, and private bathroom with complimentry toiletries. There is an onsite bar and restaurant, along with free Wi-Fi throughout the building.
Prato della Valle is less than a twenty-minute walk from the Hotel Columbus, which is one of the largest public squares in Europe. The square is lined with statues and is surrounded by a scenic canal.
The Columbus is around a fifty-minute drive from the Casino di Venezia or a forty-minute train ride, depending on traffic.
- Address: Via XX Lugno, 42, 35129 Padova PD, Italy
- Phone: +39 049 8761882
This three-star hotel is located in the Saccomani neighborhood of Padova and is just a ten-minute walk to the University of Padua. The Palazzo Verlato also has spacious rooms with a minibar, safe, and private bathroom with complimentry toiletries.
If you fancy a change of scene, the onsite restaurant serves local dishes made by a master chef, and there’s also a bar if you fancy a drink or two. Free Wi-Fi is available for all guests.
The closest train station to the Casino di Venezia is Padova, which is a twenty-five-minute walk or eight-minute taxi journey.
- Address: Via Giosuè Carducci, 4, 35122 Padova PD, Italy
- Phone: +39 049 852233
This budget hotel is covered in vibrant flowers and is within a ten-minute walk to the Prato della Valle. The Orticolario features simple yet functional rooms with a flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, and private bathroom with complimentry toiletries.
There is an onsite café and bar for guests to relax in. The Orticolario also provides free Wi-Fi and a buffet breakfast that is served each morning.
Follow signs for the Basilica Pontifica dell’Annunziata to reach the closest train station. From there, you need to hop on a train to Venice and change at Mestre. Another train will then take you to Cornelia, which is a twelve-minute journey.
- Address: Via Giuseppe Fabris, 23, 35123 Venezia VE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5287496
The Ca’Marconi is located on the Giudecca island, which is connected to the mainland by a regular ferry service. This means you can avoid the busy streets of Venice and travel in style across the water.
The Ca’Marconi was once home to Guglielmo Marconi, the man who invented the radio. It has been beautifully restored and now provides air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and private bathroom with complimentry toiletries.
Their rooftop terrace and bar provide stunning views of St. Mark’s Basilica, which is only a ten-minute vaporetto ride or two-minute private boat from here. Use the hotel concierge for all casino transfers.
- Address: Dorsoduro, 1041, 30103 VeniceVE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5288882
Located on the Dorsoduro bank, just a few minutes’ walk from the Accademia Bridge, you will find the San Cesareo Dolores. This charming hotel has been decorated with fresh flowers and provides clean rooms with a minibar, safe, air conditioning, and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
mgm grand detroit online casinoThe San Cesareo Dolores has a shared kitchen and lounge for guests to use. They also serve a delicious buffet breakfast every morning.
To get to the Casino di Venezia, ask the hotel staff to organize a taxi. This will cost around €15 each way and take roughly ten minutes.
- Address: Cannaregio, 1615, 30121 VeneziaVE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5227849
This three-star hotel is a couple of minutes’ walk from the Rialto Bridge and the nearest water transport links. The Alfonso operates a buffet breakfast service each morning and has friendly staff on hand to answer any questions you may have.
The rooms include a minibar, safe, air conditioning, and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Some also have canal views and are worth the extra spend.
Hop in a water taxi for the sixteen-kilometer journey to the Casino di Venezia. This should take around twenty minutes and cost roughly €65 each way.
- Address: San Polo, 1404, 30125 VeneziaVE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5227940
The Locanda La Corte Benefatta is a bed and breakfast that has kept much of its original charm and character. It’s located down a narrow alleyway, which helps keep the noise levels low, and is only a ten-minute walk from Saint Mark’s Square.
La Corte Benefatta consists of standard and superior rooms, both of which include air conditioning, a minibar, safe, and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Their buffet breakfast is served in a shared kitchen.
To get to the Casino di Venezia, jump in a water taxi for the thirteen-kilometer journey. This should take around eighteen minutes, and it will cost around €75 return.
- Address: Calle dei Moretti, 2756, 30122 VeneziaVE, Italy
- Phone: +39 041 5287469
If you’re looking for somewhere central to stay in Venice, how about the Bella Italia Hostel? This is located on the Canareggio island, which is connected to the rest of the city by regular bridges.
The Bella Italia offers mixed dormitories and private rooms with air conditioning, lockers, minibar, and private bathrooms. They also have a shared kitchen and lounge for guests to use.
To get to the Casino di Venezia, you need to get a water taxi. This will cost roughly €75 return and take around eighteen minutes.
Tips for Visiting the Casino in Florence
Now you know where the casino is located, let’s look at some tips for visiting the lone gaming venue in Florence.
- )*Dress Code – The Casino Le Volti is very lax when it comes to the dress code. That means you can get away with smart-casual attire most of the time. It’s always best to check with reception when you arrive to be on the safe side, just in case there’s a special event taking place.
- ID required – You don’t have to be a Florence resident to enter the casino, but you will be asked to show a form of ID to verify your name and address.
- Membership Required – Once you’ve handed over your details, you’ll be issued with a membership card that will cost anywhere from €10 to €100 depending on the duration. You can pay a little extra to instantly redeem this fee on gaming chips.
-
Smoking Area –*] The Casino Le Volti has a designated smoking area for players willing to light up during a game. But please note that this rule varies due to the laws in place for that specific region of Italy.
Smoking inside a casino may seem normal, but that will change in the future. Italy passed a law in 2018 banning smoking in casinos, but a transitional period was put in place to give venues time to build dedicated outside areas. That transition is set to expire in 2022, so that’s when all casinos will be smoke-free. - Photos Not Permitted – It’s against the rules to take photos within the casino, so please don’t try it because you might get told.
- Alcohol Consumption –*] The influence of alcohol and gambling do not mix. Therefore, players found to be drunk will be refused entry or ejected from the venue. Italy has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption, so please respect them.
- No Loitering – If you’re not a member or using gaming chips, you are not permitted to hang around the casino. Any individuals found loitering will be reported to the police.
- Parking – The Casino Le Volti has a large car park for customers to use. Security guards monitor this area at all times.
Top Games to Play at the Florence Casino
Italy has very strict gaming laws, which is why the Casino di Venezia has a relatively small selection of games compared to other European casinos. That said, there is still plenty of fun to be had.
Let’s look at the casino games you can play at the Florence casino and tell you a bit more about them:
- Slots
The vast majority of casino games in Italy are slot machines. You’ll find hundreds of these dotted around the Casino di Venezia, with stakes ranging from €0.05 to €250 per spin. Slot machines are great for newbies because they’re easy to learn and do not require any socializing. All you need to do is insert your cash, choose your stake, and hit the spin button. If three or more matching symbols land on the payline, you win a prize. Slots are perfect for experienced players, too. They allow you to win huge amounts of money without breaking the bank, plus there are tons of bonus games and features to keep you entertained.
- Roulette
Roulette tables can be found on the main casino floor, and French Roulette appears to be the most popular variant. This version of roulette has thirty-seven pockets numbered from one to thirty-six and an additional zero. Roulette translates to “little wheel” in French, and that’s exactly how it works. The dealer spins the wheel in one motion and places the ball into the rotating wheel in the other. Once the wheel comes to a stop, you win the odds if the ball lands in the pocket corresponding to your bet. Roulette is often seen as a game of luck because it’s so difficult to predict where the ball will land.
Lucrative Benefits of Working in a Casino - And 3 Drawbacks- Blackjack
Another popular game in the casino is blackjack, which is typically played with between one and eight decks of cards. The aim of the game is to beat the dealer by scoring 21 or as close as possible without going bust. Blackjack is regarded as a skill game based on luck because certain actions can increase your chances of winning. For example, you may choose to hit, stand, double down, or surrender depending on the cards in front of you. If you reach 21 on your first two cards, that’s a natural or blackjack, which pays out at 3:2. Keep in mind that insurance is available in case the dealer has a hidden ace, but it’s not the greatest bet in the world.
- Poker
Texas Hold’em is usually the only poker game offered in the casino, and it’s played with a minimum of two players and a dealer. The aim of the game is to create the best five-card hand possible by using any combination of your two cards and the five community cards. Poker is a skill game based on luck because you must make calculative decisions to increase your chances of winning the pot. For instance, should you fold, call, or raise? Which cards should you use to create the best hand? These are the kinds of things you need to think about when playing poker.
- American Roulette
American Roulette is similar to French Roulette because it has the same numbers and an additional zero pocket. The difference is that French Roulette has a different language setup and often comes with lower minimum bets. What’s the catch with the American version of roulette? Well, it also has a double zero pocket, which increases the house edge to 5.26% compared with 2.70% on the French variation. Is that enough to put you off? Probably not, especially if you’re on a hot streak. Just remember that roulette can be a fast way to lose money, so set a limit and stick to it.
- Trente et Quarante
Trente et Quarante is a unique game that can be confusing to newbies because it’s unlike anything else in the casino. It involves a dealer throwing a set of eight balls counterclockwise around a hexagonal board. The idea is for at least fifty of the balls to fall into one of two semi-circles at the end of the throw. The nearest to sixty balls determines the winner of that round. If the balls land between thirty and forty balls, the payout will be between 7:1 and 1:1. Players can bet on points ranging from eleven to sixtym any multiple of ten up to six hundred. This sounds complicated, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you see it happening.
Live Dealer Casino Sites in the UK for 2023 - Top Live Casinos OnlineHistory of Gambling in Florence and Venice
Italy has a rich history when it comes to gambling, dating back centuries before Christophersen’s Foure Pairz of Cards. Let’s start with the birthplace of the , namely Florence.
History of Gambling in Florence
For many years, gambling in Italy was linked to crime families and shady back alleys. That changed in recent decades, mainly because of the internet and new regulations introduced by the government.
Here are some key highlights from the gambling history of Florence:
- 1424 – First ban on gambling – Cosimo de’ Medici, the chancellor of Florence, banned cards, dice, and other games of chance due to their negative effect on citizens.
- 1794 – Second ban on gambling – Prince Francesco Galeazzi Mancini ordered a decree that stated anyone caught running a game of chance would be punished by having their nose slit. Thirty-three games masters had their noses cut off before the law was relaxed in 1797.
- 1905 – Third ban on gambling – The Railways Game Act made it illegal to run a public betting shop. Private games were still allowed behind closed doors, hence the rise of the buon gioco (good game) clubs.
- 1944 – Fourth ban on gambling – After Italy became a republic, all forms of gambling were prohibited until 1981.
- 1981 – Fifth ban on gambling – Law No. 199 addressed the issue of problem gambling and allowed betting shops to reopen. Moreover, casinos could apply for a license if they paid a heavy tax and adhered to strict rules.
- 2006 – Amendments to gambling laws – Following concerns about organized crime and match-fixing, the Italian government amended existing laws to tighten controls.
History of Gambling in Venice
Venice is famous for many things, including its love of gambling. The Great Council of Venice even had a gambler as its protagonist in William Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. Gambling in Venice dates back to the 17th century when the Ridotto was established inside the Doge’s Palace. This was later moved to a purpose-built hall on the western edge of Saint Mark’s Square, which is where the Casino di Venezia now stands.
Check out some key highlights from the gambling history of Venice below:
- 1638 – Establishment of the Ridotto – The Great Council ordered the creation of a special gaming house where citizens could play cards without breaking
