Casino de Monte-Carlo

The idea of opening a gambling casino in Monaco belongs to Princess Caroline, the shrewd, business-minded spouse of Prince Florestan I. Revenues from the proposed venture were supposed to save the House of Grimaldi from bankruptcy. In 1854, Charles, Florestan's son and future Prince of Monaco, recruited a team of Frenchmen to devise a development plan and write a prospectus to attract the funds needed to build a spa for the treatment of various diseases, and a gambling casino. Granted the concession of 30 years to operate a bathing establishment and gaming tables, Aubert and Langlois opened the first casino in 1856. During this initial period, the casino was moved several times. Construction at the current site began on 13 May 1858. Over the years the casino building was transformed and expanded many times. Until recently, the Casino de Monte-Carlo has been the primary source of income for the House of Grimaldi and the Monaco economy.