Gambling is optional when the casinos look this good.
Casino de Monte Carlo, Monaco
In a lavish Belle Epoque building that dates back to 1863, Monaco’s Casino de-Monte Carlo is widely considered the most luxe casino in the world. It’s appeared in golden-era Hollywood films — To Catch a Thief, Never Say Never Again, and GoldenEye, to name a few– and continues to be a playground for the rich and famous. On any given night, you’ll spot Ferrari’s, Lamborghini’s and Rolls Royce’s roll up to the stately Old- World entrance—all sweeping steps, onyx columns and marble statues. Inside, a Rococo ceiling, stained glass window and dramatic frescoes serve as the backdrop to high-stake games of French Roulette, poker and Trente et Quarante.
Casino Baden-Baden, Germany
Now in it’s 268th year, the Casino Baden-Baden is truly the stuff of legends. Marlene Dietrich once called it the most beautiful casino in the world and Fyodor Dostoevsky immortalized it in his novel, “The Gambler.” One look at its stunning French-style interiors and Black Forest setting and it’s clear why. Modeled on the French royal palaces, the club is festooned with dripping crystal chandeliers, heavy scarlet curtains and tall gilded mirrors. Just be careful not to get too taken away by the grandeur–with not a single clock in the place, it’s easy to lose track of time (and your money).
Photo by Ralf Martini
The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel
You could spend an entire weekend in the casino at The Venetian Macao and still not see it all. There are 3,400 slot machines, 800 gambling tables and a separate arena for entertainment and sporting events that cover a total of 550,000 square feet. But size isn’t everything, and the casino takes an equally over-the-top approach to interior design. The East meets West aesthetic combines exotic woods, Chinoiserie murals and opulent crown moldings—all arranged according to the principles of feng shui, of course.
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The Ritz Club, London
To gain entrance into The Ritz Club , you’ll first need to complete a lengthy application form and drop £1,000 in membership fees. But considering the casino’s reputation as the poshest gaming hub in London, the cost may justify the reward. Among the lucky few to be admitted? Dress the part. For men this means a jacket and tie; for women, a dress or other formal evening wear. Order a Vesper martini (naturally, it’s served ‘Shaken not Stirred’), and try your hand at the likes of roulette, blackjack and Punto Banco. Or, simply sit back in take in the room’s sumptuous interiors: resplendent bas-relief panels, domed ceilings, mahogany furniture and curtains draped with Jacquard and damask silks.
The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas
When it comes to Las Vegas, there’s no shortage of casinos at which to channel your inner high roller. But here at Jetsetter, we place our bets at the trendy Cosmopolitan hotel. Not only is the crowd among the hippest and most beautiful on the Strip—there’s also a three-story bar draped in two million crystals at the center of the casino floor. The effect is that of gambling around a massive glittering chandelier. If that doesn’t set the stage for hitting the jackpot we don’t know what does.
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The Clermont Club, London
In the 1960s, The Clermont Club was Britain’s most exclusive gambling club, playing host to some country’s richest and most influential aristocrats—among them, the Lord “Lucky” Lucan, the Earl of Derby and the Duke of Devonshire. Fast forward to 2016, and while there’s a slim chance you’ll run into any members of the British royal family, the club in London’s Mayfair district remains as much a sight to behold as ever. Baroque décor, a wrought iron balustrade and spiral staircases all set the stage for high glamour, as does the club’s well heeled clientele. But as one of the smallest casinos in the city (there are just six tables in the whole place), even us common people are given the royal treatment.
The Hippodrome Casino, London
It may only be six years old, but The Hippodrome Casino is one of our favorite places to get lucky. Open 24-hours a day seven days a week, the three-story building offers electronic and table games, plus some of the best live entertainment (think: cabaret, magic and music) in all of London Town. In an extravagant design redolent of old European casinos, the club has soaring ceilings, massive globe-like chandeliers levitating above the room and a rich color scheme of gold and deep magenta.
Photo by Tommy Doyle
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