The European casino scene in 2025 is a burgeoning one. This continent is home to many great land-based casinos that attract tourists in their millions.
Then there is the equally popular online casino scene. If you are travelling in Europe, you will have no trouble finding fabulous online casino sites where you can play various slots and table games.
Indeed, so successful is the casino industry in Europe that your challenge may lie in deciding which ones to play at. There really is an embarrassment of riches.
Here are some of the truly iconic casinos in Europe. These are the places you will not want to miss, whether you love gambling or not.
European Gambling Laws
Before we get to that point, it is worth considering why Europe is such a hotbed of casino gaming. There is no doubt that the main reason for it is the liberal approach that European countries have taken to the matter.
Of course, that is not true of all of them, but the majority of big European countries are quite relaxed about land-based and online casinos. For example, it is legal throughout both Germany and Italy, with suitable regulation.
The country that has taken the most liberal approach is the United Kingdom, which is why so many European online casinos are based there. The official industry regulator in that country is the UK Gambling Commission.
This light touch approach with just enough regulation to protect the consumer has made online casinos very popular in the UK. The same thing is happening in every other country that adopts that strategy.
That is not what this article is going to focus on though. Instead we will look at some of the finest land-based casinos from across Europe.
- Casino de Monte Carlo
If you are thinking about paying a visit to a land-based casino while in Europe, the Casino de Monte Carlo is a great one to choose. Monte Carlo can stake a claim to be the absolute centre of European gambling – like Las Vegas is to the United States.
What you will find if you go to this casino is the last word in old world opulence. The building itself dates from the Belle Epoque and is a feast for the eyes.
It is just as impressive when you step inside too; with glittering chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, lush velvet drapes and gambling tables made of dark wood. The price of entry is five Euros, but this is a venue of genuine historical significance.
Do not imagine that this makes it some kind of museum though – the Casino de Monte Carlo can compete with any in Vegas when it comes to modern gaming. It has more than 100 video slot machines, which is the most of any European casino.
There are plenty of table games on offer too; including multiple versions of roulette, baccarat, craps, blackjack, trente et quarante and stud poker. And the casino is just part of the overall complex.
Les Ballets de Monte Carlo and the Opera de Monte Carlo can also be found within it.
- Casino Baden-Baden
The most famous gambling venue in Germany is the Casino Baden-Baden, which can be found in the town of the same name. Built during the 19th century, it is Germany’s oldest casino.
It is also incredibly beautiful, featuring a white brick facade and columns at the entrance. From the very beginning, this venue is one that oozes class and luxury.
The gaming rooms inside were designed by interior decorators from Paris and they house every type of casino game you could want. Table games include punto banco, blackjack and poker, while there is a separate area for the slot machines.
Among the other attractions on offer at Casino Baden-Baden are a concert hall, a spa and a series of glorious gardens. The contrast between the stimulation of the gaming and the relaxation elsewhere makes it unique.
- Casino Estoril
This casino in Portugal has a notable claim to fame – it inspired James Bond author Ian Fleming to create the Casino Royale. For that reason, many Bond fans believe it was used as a location for the film of the same name.
That is not actually the case, but the link with the iconic franchise is real. The luxury and modernity of this casino is what Fleming was referring to.
The most celebrated part of it is its poker room, which features both games and tournaments. Every other kind of table game is available too, as well as hundreds of slot machines, so it has earned its reputation as one of the best casinos.
Other attractions include an art gallery.
These three casinos are the very finest that Europe has to offer and are must-sees.