Tucked into the picturesque Ardennes region of Belgium, the Casino de Spa stands as a living testament to the origins of modern gambling, proudly bearing the title of the world’s oldest casino since its establishment in 1763. Located in the charming spa town of Spa, just 35 kilometers southeast of Liège, this elegant venue blends centuries of history with a warm, inviting atmosphere, offering visitors a unique mix of classic gaming and modern leisure. For those exploring the most prestigious land-based casinos of Western and Southern Europe, Casino de Spa is a captivating stop, where the legacy of European gaming culture meets the serene beauty of Belgium’s mineral spring heartland.
The casino’s roots stretch back to an era when Spa was a thriving retreat for Europe’s nobility, drawn to its healing waters and burgeoning entertainment scene. Over its 260-year history, it has evolved from a modest gaming hall into a sophisticated destination managed by the Ardent Group, preserving its historic charm while adapting to contemporary tastes. Its location in a town synonymous with relaxation—giving the world the term “spa”—adds a layer of allure, making it more than just a place to play; it’s a cultural landmark steeped in tradition. This article uncovers the casino’s storied past, its architectural elegance, and the entertainment that keeps it a beloved gem in Belgium’s crown.
Casino de Spa’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to bridge the past and present, offering a gaming experience that feels both nostalgic and accessible. Whether you’re a seasoned player drawn to its classic table games, a casual visitor testing your luck on the slots, or someone simply enchanted by its historical significance, the casino delivers a blend of sophistication and simplicity. Its role in shaping Spa’s identity as a leisure destination, combined with its serene garden setting and proximity to natural springs, makes it a standout treasure in Western and Southern Europe’s casino landscape. Let’s delve into what makes this Belgian icon so remarkable.
A Legacy in Play: Key Features at a Glance
Casino de Spa’s charm is rooted in its rich heritage and modest yet inviting gaming offerings, all housed within a grand palace that reflects its storied past. The table below outlines its core attractions, providing a quick overview of what visitors can expect from this historic venue.
| Feature | Details | Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | 150+ machines, varied themes | Ground Floor | 11 a.m. – 4 a.m. daily |
| Roulette | English and electronic variants | Main Gaming Room | 8 p.m. – 4 a.m. daily |
| Blackjack | Classic rules, multiple tables | Main Gaming Room | 8 p.m. – 4 a.m. daily |
| Poker | Texas Hold’em, Omaha, tournaments | Second Floor | 8 p.m. – 4 a.m. (varies) |
| Bingo | 90-ball variation | Main Gaming Room | Special event nights |
From 18th-Century Origins to Modern Resilience
The Casino de Spa’s story begins in 1763, when it opened as the world’s first dedicated gaming hall, a bold initiative by Spa’s co-mayors, Lambert Xhrouet and Gérard de Leau. At the time, Spa was a fashionable retreat for European nobility seeking the town’s mineral springs, and the casino was conceived to entertain these affluent visitors during their stays. Housed initially in the La Redoute building, it offered early games like biribi and faro, drawing aristocrats from across the continent and setting a precedent for regulated gambling that would inspire venues like Monte Carlo a century later. This pioneering spirit marked the birth of a legacy that has endured for over two and a half centuries.
The casino faced numerous challenges over the years, reflecting its resilience. The Liège Revolution in 1789 and subsequent fires in the 19th and early 20th centuries—most notably in 1807 and 1917—destroyed parts of its original structure, yet it was rebuilt each time with determination. By the mid-20th century, it had settled into its current grand palace on Rue Royale, a neoclassical edifice that retained its elegance despite wartime occupations during both World Wars. The 1980s saw a major renovation under the Circus Group (now Ardent Group), modernizing the facilities while preserving its historic charm, a balance that has kept it thriving into 2025. Key milestones in its journey include:
- 1763: Opens as the world’s first casino in La Redoute.
- 1807: Rebuilt after a devastating fire destroys the original hall.
- 1917: Another fire prompts a decade-long reconstruction.
- 1980s: Major modernization under new ownership.
These moments underscore how Casino de Spa has adapted through centuries of upheaval to remain a Western European icon.
Architectural Grace and Entertainment Unfolded
Casino de Spa’s current home is a neoclassical palace that exudes understated grandeur, a fitting setting for its historic stature. Located at Rue Royale 4, the building features a symmetrical façade with tall windows and a pedimented entrance, surrounded by manicured gardens that echo Spa’s serene ambiance. Inside, the gaming rooms blend classic elegance with modern touches—polished wooden floors and soft lighting create a warm atmosphere, while contemporary slot machines add a splash of color. The main hall, once a ballroom for 18th-century nobles, now houses table games, its high ceilings and ornate moldings a nod to its aristocratic past.
The gaming offerings are modest but well-curated. The ground floor’s 150+ slot machines, open from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m., feature a mix of classic and themed designs with bets starting at €0.01, appealing to casual players. From 8 p.m., the main gaming room comes alive with English Roulette and Blackjack, each with stakes ranging from €2 to €500, offering a traditional experience in a cozy setting. The second-floor poker room, a highlight for enthusiasts, hosts Texas Hold’em and Omaha cash games and tournaments, with schedules varying by demand—typically Friday and Saturday nights see the most action. Bingo nights, featuring the 90-ball variant, add a communal twist on special evenings.
Entertainment at Casino de Spa extends beyond the tables, enhancing its role as a leisure hub. Le Grill du Casino, the on-site restaurant, specializes in flame-grilled meats cooked on lava stones, served in a cozy bistro with a terrace that seats 20 for al fresco dining until midnight (2 a.m. on weekends). The bar area hosts weekly events—think live jazz, themed game nights, or raffles—keeping the atmosphere lively without additional cost. The gardens, with their fountains and shaded paths, offer a peaceful retreat, tying the casino to Spa’s spa-town heritage. Accessibility is straightforward—20 parking spaces are available, and the Spa train station is a short walk away, connecting to Liège in under an hour. Notable entertainment features include:
- Le Grill’s lava-stone grilled specialties.
- Weekly live music and themed events.
- Garden terrace with fountain views.
This blend of gaming and leisure ensures Casino de Spa remains a welcoming destination in Western Europe.
Why Casino de Spa Stands the Test of Time
Casino de Spa’s enduring allure stems from its unparalleled historical significance as the world’s oldest casino, a title that infuses every visit with a sense of stepping into the past. Its modest scale—150+ slots and a handful of tables—creates an intimate atmosphere, contrasting with the sprawling resorts of modern gaming hubs, and appeals to those who prefer a personal touch over overwhelming variety. The neoclassical palace, paired with its garden setting, offers a serene escape that complements Spa’s reputation as a wellness retreat, making it a cultural landmark as much as a gaming venue.
The casino’s integration with Spa’s leisure culture enhances its charm. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m., it caters to the town’s relaxed pace, with no entry fee (though a €5 chip purchase is required for gaming rooms) ensuring accessibility. Its role in pioneering gaming—training Monte Carlo’s croupiers in the 19th century—adds prestige, while modern touches like live-streamed roulette via Evolution Gaming since 2014 keep it relevant. Additional draws that set it apart include:
- Proximity to Spa’s mineral springs, a UNESCO site.
- Compact poker room with regular tournaments.
- Free entry with optional gaming chip purchase.
From its 18th-century origins to its modern-day vibrancy, Casino de Spa remains a Southern European treasure, offering a timeless experience where history, elegance, and entertainment converge in the heart of the Ardennes.