Monaco Casino Guide
Getting Started
A country like Monaco is renowned and revered for its ability to offer land-based gambling games. In fact, its casinos are some of the most luxurious found anywhere in the world. However, what stance does the Principality of Monaco take towards online gambling? After all, gambling in its brick-and-mortar casinos is one of the main sources of revenue.
Fortunately, Monaco doesn’t really care too much either way. In this guide, we’ll learn more about what the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (monopoly) has to offer and where you can gamble in Monaco with our guide.
Monaco’s Gambling Laws and Regulations
Monaco’s Monte Carlo casino is its jewel in the crown, and with tourists from all over the world flocking to wager in its casino, it is hardly surprising to learn that land-based betting is legal in the principality.
Gambling is regulated, and the Monte-Carlo Société des Bain de Mer (MSB), which is largely owned by the state, acts as a monopoly. However, Monegasque and residents of Monaco are not permitted to bet in the casinos there – in fact, they are not even permitted to enter them. The casinos are purely designed for tourists only.
Law No. 1.103 of the Monegasque Gaming Law makes things clear. Furthermore, bingo, online lottery games and all sports betting (save for horse racing) are also illegal in the principality. However, it is worth noting that apart from Monaco’s three established casinos, there are options for residents to bet – both horse racing and land-based lotto games.
What about online gambling, though? Formally, Monaco has no law that either legalises or makes illegal gambling online. Monegasque and residents of the principality are not prosecuted for placing wagers at online gambling sites, nor do Monaco’s internet service providers block access to gambling sites. Therefore, in terms of online betting sites, the internet gambling scene is quite open for those players.
Who Regulates and Licenses Monegasque Casino Sites?
The Gambling Authority of the Ministry of Finance runs the rule over the three casinos in the principality. Technically, it is the Crown Prince of Monaco that has the authority to hand out licenses to casinos. However, as the state is the majority shareholder in the MSB monopoly, they aren’t very likely to issue licenses to competing businesses, as has proven to be the case over the last few decades. Lottery gameplay is also run by the state monopoly, while the French PMU (Pari Mutuel Urbain) controls horse racing betting in Monaco.
Because Monaco doesn’t license or regulate internet betting sites, it is up to Monegasque and the residents of Monaco to be selective about where they play. Our site supports a wealth of casinos that are friendly to those based in Monaco. You should only play at licensed and regulated casinos, and we’d aim to choose sites that are regulated out of Malta, the UK, Gibraltar, or Curacao here. Each has its own levels of regulation and licensing, so browse around before committing to one site over another.
Monaco’s Most Popular Gambling Games
You must be aged 18 or older to play games in Monaco. The same age can commonly be found in offshore casinos catering to players residing in Monaco. For the most part, Monaco residents prefer to wager on the types of games they aren’t formally allowed to bet on where they reside, namely slots, table games and sports betting options.
There are no known software providers delivering games to online casinos that are based in Monaco. However, you’ll find a great array of games available at offshore casinos catering to players in the principality. These include the likes of Playtech, Microgaming and NetEnt, not to mention Pragmatic Play and live dealer kings such as Evolution Gaming and Ezugi. Sadly, none of Monaco’s casinos feature as venues for live dealer games. Instead, those games are typically streamed from Eastern Europe.
Who Can Play?
There is no such thing as a Monegasque casino, at least in the sense of one being licensed out of Monaco. There are, however, ample casinos out there that are licensed elsewhere in the European Union and beyond, and they do accept players from Monaco. Gameplay at these sites is typically available in both French and English, and the euro is readily accepted as those sites’ currency of choice.
Monaco residents will need to jump through the same hoops as other players in terms of the KYC process. However, this won’t be an issue. In fact, most online casinos welcome residents of Monaco with open arms, so the array of offshore or foreign casinos you can choose from is considerably broad.
Online Casino Payment Options
While Monaco is a small country with a unique demographic, players from the region have access to various payment methods for online casinos. Please note that some of these options may not be exclusive to Monaco, but they are commonly used by players in the region. Here are the main categories of payment methods available:
Credit / Debit Cards:
- Visa: Visa is a widely accepted credit and debit card, offering secure and fast transactions. Many players in Monaco use Visa cards for online casino deposits and withdrawals.
- Mastercard: Another popular choice among players, Mastercard is a well-known global payment network, providing safe and efficient transactions for online casino gaming.
- Maestro: Maestro is a debit card service provided by Mastercard. It is commonly used by players in Monaco for secure and reliable transactions at online casinos.
Cryptocurrencies:
- Bitcoin: As the most recognized and widely used cryptocurrency, Bitcoin is a popular choice for online casino players in Monaco. It provides fast, secure, and anonymous transactions, making it appealing for online gaming.
- Ethereum: Ethereum is another popular cryptocurrency that offers secure and quick transactions for online casino players in Monaco. It has gained popularity due to its smart contract functionality and fast transaction times.
- Litecoin: Litecoin is a lightweight and fast cryptocurrency, offering lower transaction fees compared to Bitcoin. Many players in Monaco use Litecoin for online casino gaming due to its speed and efficiency.
E-wallets:
- PayPal: PayPal is a widely-used digital wallet that allows users to make secure online payments. Many players in Monaco use PayPal for depositing and withdrawing funds at online casinos.
- Skrill: Skrill is another popular e-wallet option that offers quick and secure transactions for online casino players in Monaco. It’s known for its low fees and ease of use.
- Neteller: Neteller is a trusted e-wallet service used by players in Monaco to deposit and withdraw funds from online casinos. It is known for its security and fast transaction times.
Bank Transfers:
- SEPA: SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) is a payment integration initiative of the European Union that simplifies bank transfers across its member countries, including Monaco. Players in Monaco can use SEPA bank transfers for secure and efficient transactions at online casinos.
- SWIFT: SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is a global network for secure financial messaging and transactions. Players in Monaco can use SWIFT for international bank transfers when depositing and withdrawing funds at online casinos.
Please note that the availability of these payment methods may vary depending on the online casino and its policies. It is important to check the specific casino’s terms and conditions to ensure your preferred payment method is supported.
New Online Casinos Monaco 2024
F.A.Q's
Monaco is known for its luxury and glamour, and its gambling scene is no exception. With a thriving brick-and-mortar casino industry, online gambling has also gained popularity among residents and visitors. To help you navigate the online gambling landscape in Monaco, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 frequently asked questions and provided detailed answers for each.
1. Is online gambling legal in Monaco?
While land-based casinos are legal and regulated in Monaco, online gambling is not specifically addressed in the country’s legislation. However, residents and visitors can access international online casinos without facing legal repercussions. To ensure a safe gambling experience, make sure to choose a reputable and licensed online casino. You can learn more about licensing and regulation here.
2. What are the most popular casino games among Monacan players?
Monacan players enjoy a wide range of casino games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, video poker, and live dealer games. To get started with these games, check out our comprehensive Online Casino Games section.
3. Are there any restrictions on gambling age in Monaco?
Yes, the minimum legal age for gambling in Monaco is 18 years old. This applies to both land-based casinos and online gambling platforms. Make sure to comply with this age requirement to avoid any legal issues.
4. Can I play using the Euro currency at online casinos in Monaco?
Yes, most online casinos accepting players from Monaco offer Euro as a primary currency option. You can find more information on different payment methods and currencies available at online casinos in our Payment Methods section.
5. Are there any specific bonuses or promotions for Monacan players?
While there might not be exclusive bonuses for Monacan players, many online casinos offer generous promotions and bonuses to attract new players and keep existing ones engaged. Learn more about different types of bonuses and loyalty programs here.
6. How can I deposit and withdraw money at online casinos in Monaco?
Online casinos catering to Monacan players usually offer a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies. For a detailed guide on depositing and withdrawing at online casinos, visit our pages on Depositing and Withdrawing.
7. Is there a legal age for online gambling in Monaco?
While there are no specific laws governing online gambling in Monaco, the legal gambling age for land-based casinos is 18 years old. It is advisable to follow the same age requirement for online gambling. Additionally, online casinos may have their own age restrictions, so always check the terms and conditions before signing up.
8. Can I play online casino games on my mobile device in Monaco?
Yes, many online casinos offer mobile gaming options, allowing you to play your favorite casino games on your smartphone or tablet. These casinos may offer a mobile-optimized website or a dedicated mobile app for a seamless gaming experience on the go.
9. Do online casinos in Monaco offer responsible gambling tools and resources?
Reputable online casinos are committed to promoting responsible gambling and often provide tools and resources to help players stay in control of their gambling habits. These may include deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and access to problem gambling support organizations. Always choose an online casino that prioritizes responsible gambling practices.
10. Can I use cryptocurrencies for online gambling in Monaco?
Yes, some online casinos that accept players from Monaco also support cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin as payment methods. Check the casino’s payment options and read our guide on cryptocurrency and blockchain to learn more about using digital currencies for online gambling.
Conclusion
Online gambling in Monaco offers an exciting opportunity for players to enjoy their favorite casino games from the comfort of their own homes. By understanding the legalities, available games, payment options, and responsible gambling practices, you can make informed decisions and have a safe and enjoyable online gambling experience. Remember to choose a reputable online casino, follow smart gambling practices, and always gamble responsibly.