Europe has some of the most stunning architecture on any continent. Many of these buildings were once used as casinos or remain in use as them. In this article, we plan a road trip that stops at them. 

The beauty of Europe is that for travellers, it can be both diverse yet small enough to traverse by land. You can be in Paris with its art deco buildings, then hop on a train and be in the Ottoman-influenced Balkan region the same day. This allows for some fantastic road trips, and for fans of casinos, it is paradise. In this article, we plan out a road trip that takes in the casino sights and adds some stops along the way. 

The Starting Point 

Before beginning, it helps to explain some of the reasoning for why we chose the following locations. One of the oldest casinos, Casino Di Venezia, in Venice, would be on most lists. However, driving in Venice is impossible, so you would have to make separate arrangements for leaving a car and travelling there. 

Another option would be the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, as they are island territories, they would require separate ferry travel. It is possible, but the sheer volume of casinos there means they could have their own article. Ireland in particular has become a hub of iGaming innovation as of late. Its own online casino industry is booming, where you can redeem bonus codes or credits to use online at no deposit casinos. This has resulted in a wealth of physical casinos, well worth a visit if you are in the country. Thus, the most logical starting point is Casino de Spa, based in Belgium. The reason is that it is easy to access by air and road or even from other parts of Europe.

Casino De Spar is located in Geronstere, which is to the east of Brussels. This allows you to pick up a car in the capital, then visit it as you head to the next destination. This is the second oldest casino in the world, dating from 1763. It started life as a bathhouse, using thermal waters to provide a place of rest and relaxation for its patrons. It then expanded to casinos, despite a short closure in 1872 due to legislation changes. It was also damaged during the first world war and was restored afterwards. 

Casino Wiesbaden, Germany 

Just a short drive over the border and a slight turn southeast, head towards Frankfurt, and you will come across the town of Wiesbaden. Opening in 1771, the Casino Wiesbaden is the oldest in the country. When it was granted its license, it attracted a number of high-profile guests. It is said the writer Fyodor Dostoevsky visited and got his inspiration from The Gambler from those playing there. 

The casino itself is set on beautiful grounds. It is a huge building with plenty of slot machines and table games on offer. It is worth noting that the casino does have a moderate dress code, so you cannot venture out in your beach clothing. 

Casino Interlaken, Switzerland 

The next drive takes a little longer and goes down to the south of Germany. You may want to spend a few days overnight in Stuttgart, which you pass on the way. However, as you hit Switzerland, you will see why it is a must on any driving holiday. Large alpine expanses and beautiful scenery welcome you. 

Casino Interlaken is situated in Bern. Few casinos have the backdrop this does, with snow-topped mountains glistening in the background. The building opened in 1859, albeit for a short time. It was closed soon after due to a change in the law. It reopened, but history repeated, and it was closed again in the 1920s. It reopened once again in 2002 and has been extremely popular ever since. Being in Bern itself and situated at the lake, there are plenty of other sights and nightlife spots to visit, so you may decide to spend a few days here. 

From here, the fork in the road really begins, and you have two options. You can travel to the east, going to Italy via Verona to Venice. Here you will find the aforementioned Casino di Venezia, arguably the oldest in existence. If your budget is still flush or if money is no barrier, then Southwest will take you to the mecca of Monaco and Monte Carlo. 

At Monte Carlo, you can find the Casino de Monte Carlo. Built in 1863, it was originally a plan to stave off bankruptcy for the ruling Royal Family. Its early marketing tactics were to invent the roulette wheel as a form of gambling, something that decided to stick around. Be aware that this really is a luxurious caisno with a dresscode and a lot of money flying around. 

Of course, you could combine them both. Italy and France are beautiful, and exploring their coast never gets tiring. Just keep enough money aside for your bankroll and enjoy everything the casinos in Europe have to offer. 

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