Casino Baden-Baden

Casino Baden-Baden, located within the Kurhaus (spa house) at the centre of the Black Forest spa resort town of Baden-Baden, holds a singular position in European gambling history. Opened in 1838, it is Germany's oldest casino and one of the most architecturally magnificent gaming rooms in the world — its Belle Époque salons, gilded plasterwork, and crystal chandeliers inspired Marlene Dietrich's famous description of Baden-Baden as 'the most beautiful casino in the world.'

The casino's literary and historical importance is perhaps its most remarkable quality. Fyodor Dostoyevsky visited multiple times between 1865 and 1871, losing his entire savings on multiple occasions — experiences he subsequently fictionalised in The Gambler (1867), written in just 27 days under a publishing deadline. The connection to Dostoyevsky has made the casino a pilgrimage site for literary tourists from Russia, Germany, and worldwide.

Gameplay is concentrated in the historic Roulette and Blackjack rooms, which operate according to traditional European casino rules. The minimum bet is modest by international standards, making the casino accessible to tourists visiting the town. The Kurhaus complex also houses a concert hall, conferencing facilities, and extensive spa and wellness amenities — Baden-Baden has been a destination for European aristocracy and intelligentsia since Roman times.

Daytime guided tours of the building are available for those wishing to experience the interiors without gambling. Evening play requires jacket and tie for men.