The oldest casino in the world is the Casino di Venezia (Venice Casino) in Italy, established in 1638.
Originally named "Ridotto," the establishment was opened by local authorities in the left wing of the Palazzo San Moisè. Its primary purpose was to regulate and control gambling during the famous Venice Carnival. While admission was open to everyone, a strict dress code—requiring players to wear masks and tricorn hats—combined with very high minimum stakes meant that play was largely restricted to wealthy aristocrats. Today, the Casino di Venezia operates out of the magnificent Ca' Loredan Vendramin Calergi palace, to which it later relocated. Situated on the Grand Canal, this palace is a notable Renaissance architectural landmark and a former residence of Italian nobility and prominent figures (most notably, the composer Richard Wagner spent his final days there).
Originally named "Ridotto," the establishment was opened by local authorities in the left wing of the Palazzo San Moisè. Its primary purpose was to regulate and control gambling during the famous Venice Carnival. While admission was open to everyone, a strict dress code—requiring players to wear masks and tricorn hats—combined with very high minimum stakes meant that play was largely restricted to wealthy aristocrats. Today, the Casino di Venezia operates out of the magnificent Ca' Loredan Vendramin Calergi palace, to which it later relocated. Situated on the Grand Canal, this palace is a notable Renaissance architectural landmark and a former residence of Italian nobility and prominent figures (most notably, the composer Richard Wagner spent his final days there).
