Italy Casino Travel Guide
Italy was a relatively early adopter of casino gambling in Europe, with the Casino di Venezia tracing its origins to 1638. Today, Italy has four officially licensed casinos, all located in northern regions, plus a growing online gambling sector. The Italian casino experience emphasizes old-world atmosphere over the high-volume gambling of newer destinations.
The four Italian casinos
Casino di Venezia (Venice): the oldest casino in the world, currently operating from the Ca” Vendramin Calergi palace on the Grand Canal. Casino de la Vallee (Saint-Vincent, Aosta Valley): the largest Italian casino, tucked in the Alps. Casino di Sanremo (Liguria coast): the historic French Riviera-adjacent casino dating to 1905. Casino di Campione (Campione d”Italia, an Italian enclave inside Switzerland): historic property that has had operational challenges in recent years.
Casino di Venezia
Visitors must show ID and are subject to a small entry fee. Strict dress code (smart casual minimum). Two locations: the historic Ca” Vendramin Calergi for table games, and the more accessible Ca” Noghera near the airport for slot machines. The historic location is itself worth visiting as a piece of Venetian architecture.
Casino de la Vallee Saint-Vincent
The largest Italian casino, operating since 1947. Located in the Aosta Valley near the French and Swiss borders. The casino is paired with thermal spa facilities and the surrounding alpine setting offers strong tourism beyond gambling. Easy day trips from Turin, Milan, or French and Swiss cities nearby.
Online gambling in Italy
Italy regulates online casino gambling through the AAMS (now ADM) authority. Licensed online casinos are widely available to Italian residents. Foreign visitors using foreign online casinos while in Italy operates in a legal grey area.
Practical considerations
Minimum age: 18. ID required at all casinos. Cash transactions tracked above EUR 1,000-2,500 thresholds. Italian casino dealers traditionally do not take tips (unlike US casinos). Smart casual dress is the minimum; formal evenings may have stricter requirements.
Combining with broader Italian travel
The casinos pair naturally with northern Italy travel itineraries. Venice for tourists, Sanremo for the Riviera coast, Saint-Vincent for the Alps, all reasonable adds to broader trips through northern Italy.