Casino di Venezia – The Most Ancient Casino in the World

The Story Behind Casino Di Venezia – How It All Started

The first known casino, Casino di Venezia, was opened in 1638 and was originally located near San Moisé’s church in a four-story tall wing in Dandolo Palace. The Ridotto di San Moisé (Ridotto – from Italian means reduced, restricted, make private) as it was originally called, functioned as a privately-owned gambling venture, mostly available to aristocrats and citizens from the higher class.

Despite that, theoretically, the casino was still open to the public, and its high stakes and elegant dress code made it exclusively accessible to players with higher financial possibilities.

Further, to shed some light into the specific part of the dress code in Casino di Venezia back then, only guests wearing three-cornered hats with integrated white masks, called the baute, or only masks, called the morette, were allowed to gamble. The only people without these accessories were the gambling banks.

On its own, this was a rather discriminating rule for everyone who could not afford to buy them. Here are some of the noblest visitors of the establishment:

It is important to note that gambling was illegal until the opening of the casino, although authorities could do little to stop it. Thus, it is no surprise that they eventually legalised it, benefiting from their opportunity to regulate and tax it and more or less run it by themselves.

Nevertheless, the happy times did not last long due to Giorgio Pisani and the Great Council’s (specifically the Council of Ten) decision to address the elite’s gambling problem and other immoral activities, such as prostitution and usury. Thus, closed the casino in 1774 to preserve its citizens from spiritual destruction examples.

A few paintings from this period by Francesco Lazzaro Guardi, Giovanni Antonio Guardi and Pietro Longhi represent the main room of the Casino, depicting all the live chatter and, of course, the gambling frenzy. They can be found across the globe in The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge or The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to name a couple.

New Building – New Beginning for Venice Casino

The closure of Casino di Venezia did not mean its end. Even without a proper gaming venue, people continued to gamble and did not lose their interest and excitement for playing games.

However, it is important to note that although Casino di Venezia claims to be the oldest one in the world, it did not physically exist between 1774 and 1959, when it was eventually reopened.

Its place of rebirth was Ca’ Vendramin Calergi – a majestic palace on the Grand Canal in Caranreggio in Venice. And as we know that every place has its own story, let’s hear more about what was behind the new building.

Ca’ Vendramin Calergi – Its Past

The building was designed in the late 15th century and finished at the beginning of the 16th century by the architect Mauro Condussi, famous for bringing the classic Renaissance style to Venice. The palace was finished in 28 years, which is a relatively short period of time, bearing in mind the technique that was available at the time.

It had three floors and direct access to the Grand Canal. Ca’ Vendramin Calergi was first owned and paid for by the Loredan family, until due to unfortunate events, they saw themselves forced to sell it to Eric II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg.

It seemed, however, that the destiny of the palace in the following years was to change owners, until it became the property of Vittore Calergi. He decided to remodel and expand it, and with the help of the architect Vincenzo Scamozzi, he built the so-called ‘White Wing’. This part of the building includes big windows with a garden view.

Later in 1739, the palace was inherited by the Vendramini – an influential family involved in many lucrative businesses. They owned the building until 1844, when the last line member sold it to Marie-Caroline de Bourbon-Sicile, Duchess of Berry.

Ca’ Vendramin Calergi was resold until 1946, when it finally became a City Council of Venice property. During the following years, the authorities had plenty of time to reconsider and change their position. That is why in 1959, they re-established Casino di Venezia in its new home – Ca’ Vendramin Calergi.

Ca’ Vendramin Calergi – Its Present

Today, the Ca’ Vendramin Calergi palace, locally known as ‘Non Nobis, Domine’ (‘Not to us, O Lord’) – the first three words of the inscription is the seat of a communal casino. The building still has its classical façade with large windows, the shape of which is quite unusual, inspired by the triumphal arches of ancient Rome.

The inside of the building is in the typical style of a Venetian palazzo, with a wooden ceiling and Murano chandeliers. Many original paintings are still hanging on the walls, such as art by Jacopo Palma il Giovane.

The palace still has that lovely courtyard, where visitors can admire one of the oldest water wells in Venice, dating back to the 11th century. The Ca’ Vendramin Calergi palace is not only home to a casino, but also hosts the Wagner Museum.

The composer Richard Wagner lived in Venice, as he found peace and quiet there. In a letter to his father-in-law, he wrote:

‘Life in the big city has become completely unbearable for me, mainly because of the din of carriages that infuriates me. Now everyone knows Venice is the calmest city, I mean the quietest city in the world, and that is why I have decided it is absolutely the place for me’.

Wagner had rented the entire mezzanine floor of the Ca’ Vendramin Calergi palace, where he died of a sudden heart attack.

Later, in 1995, the Richard Wagner Association of Venice was entrusted with part of the palazzo’s mezzanine floor, now a museum commemorating the composer’s life and his love for the city.

Casino di Venezia and Its New Home

As mentioned, since 1995, the casino has been honouring the beauty of Venice by sharing a home with Wagner Museum. Casino di Venezia is currently located on the palace’s all three floors and there are many different rooms for playing slots, video poker, roulette games, blackjack, baccarat and poker games.

Bear in mind, however, that the casino would expect you to be in tune with its sophisticated atmosphere, and thus the elegant dress code is a must. Dress well, and you will be able to play any game you want. An interesting fact is that the casino offers the Baccarat version of Chemin de Fer, which can be rarely encountered but is very interesting.

In it, a player on the table acts as the banker, while the house serves only as a mediator and a card dealer. Of course, you can also choose among many other professionally hosted games, where the minimum bet is generally €10. Here is a bit more info about the current state of Casino di Venezia:

Even if you are not a dedicated gambler, we strongly recommend visiting Casino di Venezia and admiring its classic Renaissance architecture and luxurious and elegant internal design. Whether on an educational holiday or just on a relaxing trip, make sure to visit one of the oldest Venetian buildings, which is also extremely easy to locate.

If you feel uncertain, however, you can ask anyone in the canalled city, and they will gladly orient you to the majestic palace. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Italian holiday and make sure to take a glimpse at the world’s oldest casino. If not, at least check out the best Italian online casinos for 2024.

Meanwhile, if you like casino history, why not read our special article dedicated to the gambling laws in Italy? Get all the knowledge and head to one of the best casinos in Venice!

Casino Di Venezia Restaurants

As our review of the oldest casino in the world continues, it is time to look at the dining options available at Casino di Venezia. Those of you who want to take a break from the gaming tables and grab a bite can do so at two reputable Casino di Venezia restaurants. Here’s a bit more info for both.

The Wagner Restaurant

If you’re visiting the Casinò di Venezia, you’ll be able to enjoy premium food at first-class venues. Situated on the first floor of the Ca’ Vendramin Calergi palace, the Wagner Restaurant with its elegant design, and exceptional menu will satisfy all your desires.

With its remarkable 150 places in 3 superb settings, the Sala Palma, Sala Gialla and Sala Rossa halls are splendidly decorated with paintings by Palma il Giovane and frescoes by Gian Battista Crosato.

The menu combines timeless delicacies and traditional Venetian seafish specialities. Last but not least, special events and live music by great composers are an added treat for the guests.

The Marco Polo Restaurant

The Marco Polo Restaurant is ideal for an intimate meal but also for a quick one when all you want is a portion of good food. The venue offers a creatively trendy menu with Mediterranean and Venetian meat and fish dishes in a glamorous setting.

Rest assured, the products are of the highest quality. The wine selection is awesome, and the wood oven produces unreal delicacies that you will remember.

FAQ

Having reached the end of this Casino di Venezia blog, we hope it was interesting and informative to read. Most importantly, we believe we have answered all your questions. In this regard, in the following section, we have gathered the most commonly asked questions regarding the venue.

References

1. Official Website of Casino Venezia
2. ‘The Casino Dandolo at San Moisè’ by Francesco Guardi’
3. Ridotto – A Wikipedia Article
4. Vendramin Calergi – A Wikipedia Article
5. Non nobis Domine Meaning