Monaco has long been a prestigious casino gambling hotspot, widely recognized as being one of the most important destinations for the 19th century elite. With luxurious casinos like the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, the principality is synonymous with elegance and the very highest level of gambling entertainment. High rollers, celebrities and even royalty all come here to enjoy a premier experience, but the presence of normal gamblers has been falling over the past decade or so.
The dramatic rise of the online gaming world has given many gamblers a different option to visiting the glitz and glamor of Monte-Carlo to get their casino gaming fix. With online slots, table games and live dealer games so readily available nowadays, many people simply don’t see the need to visit established casino locations in real life. Many believe it is far better to stay at home or play on the move with mobile casinos, especially when there are more games to enjoy and increasingly generous bonuses.
While Monaco’s physical casinos continue to draw in visitors due to their unique atmospheres, there has been a notable decline in visitors. Not that the beautiful Mediterranean enclave needs to worry, as the captivating charm of Monaco’s gardens and various other cultural hotspots ensure that tourists still flock there in droves. Keep reading for an in-depth look at how online gaming’s success has impacted Monaco’s traditional casino industry.
A history of gambling and Monaco
Princess Caroline of Monaco is the main reason why Monaco is so closely associated with casinos. Back in the 1800s, the principality was struggling to make ends meet, with nowhere near the level of opulence and affluence it enjoys today. This all changed in 1878, when the authorities decided to open the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo.
It was unrivaled at the time, easily being the largest casino complex on the planet. Charles III, Prince of Monaco had already experimented with smaller casinos in 1865 after almost becoming bankrupt, and to great success. It was only four years later that he was able to completely abolish taxation in the tiny city-state. A decade later, he decided to open the sprawling Casino de Monte-Carlo, a vital symbol of the golden age of the European casino industry.
Why is Monte-Carlo such a casino hotspot?
There are various reasons why Monte-Carlo is such a casino hotspot, as the location possesses an unmistakable charm and opulence. The main reason is the luxurious casinos and atmosphere, most notably the aforementioned Casino de Monte-Carlo. Combined with the famously high betting limits at the casino’s tables, it makes for a particularly inviting experience for the rich and famous.
This is further accentuated by Monaco’s extremely relaxed taxation laws. The tax haven is packed with wealthy visitors as a result, which bodes well for the city’s casinos.
Online casino gaming: How has it affected Monte-Carlo?
Despite Monaco and the Monte-Carlo’s legendary status, there’s no denying that the online gaming industry’s expansion has affected the number of players who visit. Online casinos can offer far more games and are much more accessible, particularly for players who don’t live anywhere near the city.
With different types of online slots and various top-quality live dealer games available to play, there is an incredible variety of gaming options nowadays. This has become even more apparent with the expansion of mobile casinos which enable players to enjoy everything from video poker to live dealer blackjack using their smartphones. In the face of this ease and convenience, is it any surprise that more and more players are choosing to enjoy the online casino world rather than visiting Monte-Carlo?
Key tips to maximize your online casino bankroll
Are you looking to start enjoying the online casino experience? Consider some of our golden tips below to maximize your bankroll:
- Use casino welcome bonuses and ongoing promos: One of the main reasons why many gamblers now prefer gambling online is due to the superb range of welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions. Make sure you take advantage of these to enhance your bankroll at no extra cost.
- Budgeting effectively: Setting strict budgets and sticking to them is always essential while gambling, even more so online, where it can be easier to get tempted into spending more than you need. Budgeting effectively can also help you place more tactical wagers, helping to prolong the life of your bankroll.
- Play high RTP slots: Choosing high return to player (RTP) slots is the best way to ensure your bankroll extends further. RTP is a percentage indicating the average amount you can expect to win back from $100. The higher the value, the better your chances of walking away with some kind of profit.
- Learn strategies: There are numerous casino strategies out there helping players make the right decisions during blackjack, poker and other table games. Put the effort into learning these and you could reap the rewards of lowering the house edge.
- Consider a betting system: Some experienced gamblers use betting systems to help them decide how much to wager while playing casino games. Consider using these to help with your budgeting efforts.
- Use free demo mode: Playing online slots using the free demo versions before committing any real funds is a great way to learn the rules, particularly regarding the bonus features. This will also help your bankroll last longer.
