Nestled within the iconic InterContinental Hotel at Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu 4 in the bustling heart of Bucharest, Romania’s capital, Casino Bucharest stands as one of the city’s most prestigious gaming venues, offering a vibrant mix of over 100 slot machines, 12 table games, and a renowned poker room. Established in 1991 as one of Romania’s first modern casinos following the fall of communism, this elegant establishment has grown into a cornerstone of the capital’s nightlife, drawing both locals and the 1.8 million tourists who visit Bucharest annually with its blend of classic gaming and contemporary flair. For those exploring the most prestigious land-based casinos of Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe, Casino Bucharest is a compelling destination, showcasing Romania’s embrace of regulated gambling within a historic urban setting.
The casino’s origins are tied to Romania’s post-communist transformation, when the lifting of strict anti-gambling laws in the early 1990s opened the door to a new era of entertainment. Housed in the InterContinental, a landmark of Bucharest’s skyline since 1971, Casino Bucharest reflects the city’s nickname, “Little Paris,” with its sophisticated atmosphere and central location near University Square and the Old Town. Beyond its gaming floors, it offers gourmet dining options and a lively bar scene, creating a multifaceted experience that mirrors Bucharest’s dynamic cultural and economic resurgence. This article explores the casino’s rich history, its stylish design within the hotel, and the diverse entertainment that makes it a standout gem in Romania’s gaming landscape.
Casino Bucharest’s appeal lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of visitors while maintaining an upscale yet approachable vibe. Whether you’re a seasoned poker player drawn to its cash games and tournaments, a casual gamer enjoying the latest slots, or a tourist sipping cocktails with a view of the city, the casino delivers a mix of excitement and Eastern European hospitality. Its role in establishing Bucharest as a nightlife hub, paired with its accessibility via metro, tram, or a short drive from Henri Coandă International Airport (17 km away), makes it a pivotal stop in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe’s casino scene. Let’s uncover what makes this Romanian icon a beacon of gaming glamour.
A Gaming Landmark: Key Features at a Glance
Casino Bucharest’s distinction is built on its modern gaming offerings and elegant setting within the InterContinental Hotel, reflecting its status as a premier destination in Romania’s capital. The table below outlines its core attractions, providing a quick overview of what visitors can expect from this urban gaming hub.
| Feature | Details | Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | 100+ machines, IGT, Novomatic | Ground Floor | 24/7 daily |
| Roulette | European, American, electronic | Main Gaming Floor | 24/7 daily |
| Blackjack | Classic rules, multi-hand options | Main Gaming Floor | 24/7 daily |
| Poker | Texas Hold’em, Omaha, tournaments | Poker Room | 24/7 daily |
| Bar & Lounge | Cocktails, snacks, live sports | Upper Level | 24/7 daily |
From Post-Communist Dawn to Modern Prestige
The story of Casino Bucharest begins in the wake of Romania’s 1989 revolution, which ended decades of communist rule and its stringent anti-gambling policies. In 1991, as part of the country’s rapid transition to a market economy, Casino Bucharest opened its doors within the InterContinental Hotel, marking it as one of Romania’s first modern gaming venues. The hotel itself, a 25-story tower built in 1971 by an American-Romanian partnership, was already a symbol of Bucharest’s cosmopolitan aspirations, and the casino’s addition solidified its status as a hub for the city’s emerging elite and international visitors. This pioneering move capitalized on Romania’s newfound openness, drawing crowds eager for regulated entertainment in a post-Soviet landscape.
The casino’s early years were shaped by Bucharest’s transformation into Romania’s industrial, cultural, and financial center, a city of over 1.8 million that embraced gaming as a nightlife staple. Initially modest, it expanded its offerings in the 2000s, adding more slot machines and table games to meet growing demand, spurred by Romania’s EU entry in 2007 and the establishment of the Romanian National Gambling Office (ONJN) in 2013 to regulate the industry. By 2010, it had become a key player in the city’s casino scene, benefiting from its central location near Piata Universității and a surge in tourism. Recent upgrades, including a revamped poker room and enhanced dining options, have kept it competitive, reflecting its adaptability over three decades. Key milestones in its history include:
- 1991: Opens as one of Romania’s first casinos in the InterContinental Hotel.
- 2007: Expands with Romania’s EU integration boosting tourism.
- 2013: Aligns with ONJN regulations, ensuring legal compliance.
- 2020s: Modernizes poker room and dining for contemporary appeal.
These moments trace its journey from a post-communist novelty to a Central and Eastern European gaming icon, mirroring Bucharest’s own rise on the global stage.
Design Elegance and Entertainment Unveiled
Casino Bucharest’s design is a seamless blend of modern sophistication and the InterContinental Hotel’s mid-century elegance, reflecting its role as a premier gaming destination in Romania’s capital. Located on the hotel’s lower levels, the casino spans over 1,500 square meters, its entrance marked by sleek glass doors that lead into a vibrant gaming space illuminated by ambient lighting and accented with polished wood and metallic finishes. The ground floor buzzes with over 100 slot machines, their screens casting a colorful glow, while the main gaming floor features a more refined setting with high ceilings, plush carpeting, and discreet partitions that create an intimate yet lively atmosphere.
The gaming experience is robust and varied. The slot area, open 24/7, offers over 100 machines from leading providers like IGT, Novomatic, and Aristocrat, featuring classic reels, video slots, and progressive jackpots with bets starting at €0.01 and potential payouts in the thousands. The main gaming floor, also 24/7, hosts 12 tables—European and American Roulette with stakes from €2 to €5,000, blackjack from €5 to €2,000, and additional games like Punto Banco and Ultimate Texas Hold’em, all managed by multilingual staff fluent in English and Romanian. The poker room, a highlight for enthusiasts, operates 24/7 with four tables offering Texas Hold’em and Omaha cash games (stakes from €1/€2 to €5/€10) and tournaments with buy-ins from €30 to €200, drawing players from across Eastern Europe. A smart-casual dress code—no sportswear or flip-flops—maintains a polished yet relaxed vibe.
Entertainment at Casino Bucharest extends beyond gaming, enhancing its role as a nightlife hub. The bar and lounge area, open 24/7, serves a wide range of cocktails, premium wines, and light snacks like sliders and sushi, with live sports screenings on large screens adding excitement during major events like UEFA matches. The InterContinental’s dining options, accessible to casino guests, include the Corso Brasserie with its Mediterranean-inspired menu, open until late, offering dishes like grilled sea bass and tiramisu in a chic setting. The casino hosts occasional live events—jazz nights, DJ sets, and themed parties—adding vibrancy without extra cost. Accessibility is seamless—a €10 entry fee (with a €10 chip for non-members), a short walk from Universitate metro, and paid parking at nearby Q-Park Piata Revolutiei. Standout features include:
- Bar & Lounge with live sports and gourmet snacks.
- Poker room hosting regional tournaments.
- Free gaming lessons for beginners.
- Proximity to Bucharest’s Old Town.
This fusion of gaming and leisure ensures Casino Bucharest remains a dynamic destination in Central and Eastern Europe.
Why Casino Bucharest Thrives
Casino Bucharest’s prestige lies in its pioneering role as one of Romania’s first modern casinos and its ability to deliver a comprehensive entertainment experience in a historic hotel setting. Its 100+ slots and 12+ tables cater to a broad audience, while the poker room’s regional tournaments—like the Bucharest Poker Festival—draw over 3,000 players annually, reflecting its growing reputation. The VIP area, though compact, offers personalized service for high rollers with stakes up to €5,000, balancing accessibility with a touch of exclusivity that aligns with Bucharest’s urban sophistication.
The casino’s integration with the city’s cultural and nightlife scene enhances its allure. Open 24/7, it requires ID for those over 19, adhering to ONJN regulations that include responsible gaming measures like spending limits via a player card system. Its location near University Square—5 minutes from the Old Town and 30 minutes from Henri Coandă Airport by taxi—makes it a convenient stop, while its connection to the InterContinental’s amenities adds luxury. Additional draws that set it apart include:
- Historic InterContinental Hotel setting since 1991.
- Extensive poker offerings with nightly cash games.
- Free drinks and snacks for active players.
From its 1991 debut to its thriving presence in 2025, Casino Bucharest stands as a Northern, Central, and Eastern European treasure, offering a refined blend of gaming, dining, and Romanian hospitality in the heart of the capital.