If you love casinos and are wild enough to visit Vienna, do not miss the Casino Vienna. Its exquisite interior, professional personnel, and high-quality services will surprise you.
History of Gambling in Austria
Gambling has been a popular pastime in Austria for centuries, dating back to the Middle Ages, when people from all social classes enjoyed betting on games of chance. Even renowned figures like Mozart and Archduchess Maria Theresa were known to indulge in gambling activities frequently.
In the 17th century, gambling games like dice and ball games were everyday entertainment among the lower classes, often during public holidays and fairs. However, the increasing popularity led Emperor Leopold I to impose Austria's first gambling law in 1696, criminalizing illegal gambling operations.
While initially viewed as a pastime for the commoners, gambling gradually gained acceptance among the nobility in the early 18th century. Card games, in particular, were seen as elegant and civilized, fitting for the upper classes. The Viennese court began granting licenses for organized gambling events, which became integral to the cultural life, with even Archduchess Maria Theresa herself actively participating and betting substantial sums.
As gambling commercialized in Vienna, the state recognized its potential for revenue generation, imposing entry fees and profit taxes. Previously, illegal gambling variants were legalized and organized under state supervision, generating income for the treasury. The revenue helped support cultural institutions and infrastructure and even partially financed the state budget by introducing the first state lottery.
The 20th century brought further innovations, such as introducing the first-class lottery in 1913 and opening casinos in Semmering and Baden near Vienna in 1934. However, gambling operations were temporarily halted during World War II, resuming only in the mid-1950s. The Casino Baden ultimately became the largest casino in Europe during the 1990s, operated by Casinos Austria AG, which now runs 12 casinos nationwide.
Online gambling also gained a foothold in Austria at the turn of the millennium. It provided virtual platforms for popular games like roulette, lotto, and poker, allowing Austrians to continue their long-standing tradition of gambling from the comfort of their homes.
Casino Vienna Location
Casino Vienna is in the city center, near the Opera House.
Casinos and Other Entertainment
There are two casinos:
- The Jackpot Casino is located on the ground floor and is easier for the public to visit. You can enter it in everyday clothes, and bets are not very high at the tables. It operates from eleven o'clock in the afternoon, offering customers more than a hundred video slots and a few tables for poker, blackjack, and American roulette.
- The Classic Casino is located on the second and third floors of the building. The upper floor has slot machines, and the second offers tables with cards and other games (blackjack, roulette, poker, Holdem, sic bo, and so on). Bets here start at higher limits and reach impressive amounts. It opens only at three o'clock. The dress code is not particularly strict, but clothes should be close to the official style.
There is also room for poker players. There is a cash game and tournaments.
Entering all casino floors is free, but only for adult visitors. Visitors from the United States can play on a common basis.
Customers can buy chips at discounts. For example, thirty-euro chips can be purchased for twenty-seven euros. However, in this case, the chips can not be cashed back before each is used at least once.
Smoking is allowed in the halls, but glass walls separate non-smoking areas.
Restaurants
Casino Vienna has an excellent restaurant and a large bar on the second floor. There is also a small bar in the poker room.
Conclusion
With its prime location adjacent to the iconic Vienna State Opera, Casino Vienna provides an elegant and entertaining gaming experience in the heart of the Austrian capital. Steeped in Austria's centuries-old tradition of gambling, the casino seamlessly blends history and modernity under one roof.
From the casual ambiance of the Jackpot Casino to the refined Classic Casino, players of all preferences can find their desired gaming atmosphere. Whether trying your luck at the many slot machines, joining a poker tournament, or going all-in at the blackjack or roulette tables, Casino Vienna offers a full array of classic casino games and amenities.
More than just gaming, the venue features stylish restaurants and bars, allowing guests to wine, dine, and celebrate any winnings in style. The casino also regularly hosts special events, entertainment shows, and exclusive tournament series to enhance the overall experience.
Casino Vienna stands out as one of Europe's premier casino destinations with its striking contemporary architecture, upscale amenities, and longstanding gambling pedigree. For locals and visitors alike, it provides a cosmopolitan venue to indulge in the timeless thrills of casino gaming surrounded by the grandeur of imperial Vienna. Casino Vienna represents the epitome of sophisticated gaming and hospitality in this iconic European city.
