Sanremo Casino: History, Games, and Charm on the Riviera

As soon as you set foot on the Sanremo seafront, your eyes fall on a white, slender building that seems to come from another era. It’s the Casino of Sanremo, one of the symbols of the city and the entire Riviera dei Fiori. It’s not just a place to gamble: it’s an elegant salon steeped in history, with its jingling slots and green tables telling stories of wins and losses. Entering means diving into the Belle Époque, among crystal chandeliers and Art Nouveau frescoes. And even if you’re not a gambler, it’s worth visiting for the unique atmosphere, a mix of decadent charm and worldwide glamour. You immediately feel like a protagonist in a black-and-white film.

The Casinò di Sanremo opened its doors in 1905, commissioned by the municipality to boost winter tourism. Designed by architect Eugenio Ferraresi, the Liberty style was all the rage at the time. During World War II it was closed, but after the war it reopened, becoming a gathering place for nobles and VIPs. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was at the center of social life, with dance evenings and shows. Today it is a point of reference for local tourism and culture. Here are the key milestones:

• 1905: Inauguration of the Casino
• 1910: Expansion with theater hall
• 1943-1945: Closure due to war
• 1950: Reopening and gaming boom
• 2000: Renovation and new games

The building is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau style, with floral decorations, stained glass, and mosaics depicting allegorical scenes. Inside, the Ballroom is the beating heart: a majestic space with a frescoed ceiling and giant chandeliers. Then there is the Winter Garden, a glass and wrought-iron conservatory where ladies once sipped tea. The main gaming room is a red-carpet of emotions, with roulette, blackjack, and poker. The atmosphere is refined but not snobbish; you can wander in casual clothes, but in the evening many dress up. Tip: get lost in the side corridors, among paintings and antique mirrors – you can almost hear the rustle of period dresses.

At the Casino di Sanremo, you don’t only play cards. They offer a wide range of games: American roulette, Texas Hold’em poker, blackjack, and over 400 slot machines in the modern slot room. But the real gem is the Casino Theater, which hosts plays, music, and cabaret shows. Artists like Mina and Lucio Battisti have performed here. Throughout the year, the calendar is packed with events: jazz concerts, gala evenings, and in February, the Sanremo Music Festival—no, that’s at the Ariston, but the casino organizes after-parties and side events. Even non-gamblers can enjoy the atmosphere as spectators, perhaps with a cocktail at the bar.

First: it’s a unique Liberty-style monument, a journey into early 20th-century architecture. Second: even if you don’t gamble, you can take a free guided tour (every Saturday) that reveals anecdotes and secrets. Third: its seaside location lets you take a walk along the promenade after your visit, admiring the sunset. And then, there’s always the chance to try your luck at a game, even with just a 5-euro chip. In short, it’s a cultural and social experience that works for all curious travelers.

The most magical moment is at sunset, when the casino lights come on and the Art Nouveau façade turns orange. In winter, Sanremo’s mild climate makes entering the warm hall pleasant. Avoid August if you don’t like crowds: late spring or autumn is better, when the evenings are cool and the casino less crowded. If you enjoy the thrill, go after 10 p.m.: the atmosphere becomes more electric and the poker tables come alive. But a quiet afternoon has its charm too – perhaps for tea at the Winter Garden.

Just a stone’s throw from the Casino, you’ll find Sanremo’s Porto Vecchio (Old Port) with its seafood restaurants and bars on the pier. It’s worth a stroll along the Passeggiata Imperatrice, a tree-lined avenue hugging the coast. If you’re in the mood for culture, visit the Russian Church (a 15-minute walk away), an Orthodox gem with onion domes. And for a dive into history, head up to the old town – the Pigna – with its medieval alleys and artisan shops. A perfect mix of glamour and Ligurian tradition.