Perched at an elevation of 1,833 meters above sea level in the picturesque resort town of St. Moritz, nestled in the Engadin Valley of Graubünden, Casino St. Moritz stands as Switzerland’s highest casino and a beacon of alpine gaming elegance. Since its opening in December 2002 at Via Veglia 3, this boutique casino has offered a refined selection of over 80 slot machines and five table games, set against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps, just a stone’s throw from the luxurious Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains. For those exploring the most prestigious land-based casinos of Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe, Casino St. Moritz is a unique destination, blending the thrill of gaming with the exclusivity and charm of one of the world’s most renowned winter retreats.
The casino’s establishment reflects St. Moritz’s long-standing reputation as a playground for the elite, a legacy dating back to the birth of Alpine winter tourism in 1864, when hotelier Johannes Badrutt lured British guests to experience the region’s snowy splendor. Operated by Casinos Austria International (CAI), it caters to an international clientele drawn by the town’s 322 sunny days a year and its status as a hub for skiing, culture, and luxury. Beyond its gaming floors, it offers the chic Ivory Ball Lounge Bar and a calendar of special events, creating an intimate yet vibrant experience that complements the town’s cosmopolitan allure. This article explores the casino’s intriguing history, its architectural finesse, and the distinctive entertainment that makes it a standout gem in Switzerland’s gaming landscape.
Casino St. Moritz’s appeal lies in its boutique scale and its ability to harmonize gaming with the alpine lifestyle, offering an experience that feels both exclusive and welcoming. Whether you’re a slot enthusiast chasing one of its four linked jackpots, a table game player testing your luck at American Roulette, or a visitor savoring a whisky in the lounge, the casino delivers a refined blend of excitement and sophistication. Its role in enhancing St. Moritz’s status as a year-round luxury destination, paired with its accessibility via the Rhaetian Railway or a short drive from Zurich (200 km), makes it a pivotal stop in Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe’s casino scene. Let’s delve into what elevates this Swiss alpine icon above the rest.
An Alpine Gaming Retreat: Key Features at a Glance
Casino St. Moritz’s distinction lies in its intimate yet upscale gaming offerings and its picturesque alpine setting, providing a boutique experience tailored to St. Moritz’s elite reputation. The table below outlines its core attractions, offering a quick overview of what visitors can expect from this high-altitude gaming haven.
| Feature | Details | Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | 80+ machines, four linked jackpots | Slots Area (Ground) | 1 p.m. – 3 a.m. (4 a.m. Fri-Sat) |
| Roulette | American Roulette | Gaming Floor | 8 p.m. – 3 a.m. (Wed-Sun) |
| Blackjack | Classic rules, varying stakes | Gaming Floor | 8 p.m. – 3 a.m. (Wed-Sun) |
| Poker | Ultimate Texas Hold’em | Gaming Floor | 8 p.m. – 3 a.m. (Wed-Sun) |
| Ivory Ball Lounge Bar | Cocktails, whiskies, snacks | Lounge Area | 1 p.m. – 3 a.m. (4 a.m. Fri-Sat) |
From Alpine Vision to Gaming Legacy
The Casino St. Moritz’s story begins in the late 1990s, when Casinos Austria International identified St. Moritz as an ideal location to expand its portfolio, capitalizing on the town’s status as a luxury winter resort since the 19th century. After securing a gaming license under Switzerland’s 1993 Federal Act on Games of Chance, the casino opened on December 20, 2002, in a modern building designed to complement the alpine surroundings while offering a contrast to the region’s traditional architecture. Initially launched with a modest setup, it quickly established itself as a year-round entertainment option in a town historically known for summer spa visits and winter sports, pioneered by Johannes Badrutt’s 1864 wager that transformed St. Moritz into a global destination.
The casino’s early years were shaped by St. Moritz’s reputation as a retreat for the wealthy, drawing an international crowd eager for gaming in a setting famed for its “Champagne climate”—over 322 sunny days annually and crisp, dry air. By 2005, it had expanded its slot offerings to over 80 machines, introducing linked jackpots like Clover-Link and Cash Connection, while maintaining a small but curated selection of table games—American Roulette, Blackjack, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em—to suit its boutique focus. Seasonal breaks in spring and fall, a nod to St. Moritz’s tourism cycles, were phased out by 2010 as year-round operations took hold, supported by investments from CAI to enhance facilities and events. Key milestones in its history include:
- 2002: Opens under Casinos Austria International at Via Veglia 3.
- 2005: Expands slot offerings with linked jackpots.
- 2010: Shifts to year-round operations, ending seasonal closures.
- 2023: Hosts diversity scholarship recipients, boosting its profile.
These moments trace its evolution from a seasonal novelty to a Central European gaming icon, reflecting St. Moritz’s enduring allure.
Architectural Refinement and Entertainment Unveiled
Casino St. Moritz’s design is a modern yet understated complement to the alpine splendor of St. Moritz, crafted to blend seamlessly with the town’s luxurious ambiance. Located at Via Veglia 3, the building features a sleek façade with clean lines and large windows that frame views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, its exterior subtly illuminated at night to enhance its presence without overshadowing the natural landscape. Inside, the 1,500-square-meter space unfolds across a single-story layout with a stylish gaming floor and an adjacent Ivory Ball Lounge Bar, where minimalist decor—dark wood, soft lighting, and plush seating—creates an intimate, upscale atmosphere that contrasts with the vastness of the Engadin Valley outside.
The gaming experience is boutique and refined. The slots area, open from 1 p.m. to 3 a.m. (4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), features over 80 machines from top providers like Novomatic and Superia, offering classic reels, video slots, and four linked jackpots—Clover-Link, Rich Little Piggies, Cash Connection, and Novoline Edition 4—with bets starting at CHF 0.01 and potential payouts in the thousands. The gaming floor, active from 8 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, hosts five tables—American Roulette with stakes from CHF 5 to CHF 1,000, Blackjack from CHF 10 to CHF 500, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em from CHF 5 to CHF 200—all managed by multilingual staff fluent in German, English, Italian, and French. A dress code requiring smart-casual attire—no shorts or sportswear—maintains a polished yet relaxed vibe, aligning with St. Moritz’s upscale ethos.
Entertainment at Casino St. Moritz extends beyond gaming, enhancing its role as a nightlife hub. The Ivory Ball Lounge Bar, open alongside the slots area, serves an extensive selection of whiskies, cocktails, and light snacks, its chic design featuring a unique roulette-inspired bar counter that nods to the gaming theme. The casino hosts special events—ladies’ nights every Tuesday with free champagne, themed parties like Latino Night or Burlesque Night, and occasional tournaments—adding vibrancy without extra cost, while live music or DJ sets elevate weekend evenings. Accessibility is seamless—free entry with an 18+ age requirement and ID check (passport or EU/CH driving license), a short walk from St. Moritz railway station, and ample parking nearby. Standout features include:
- Ivory Ball Lounge Bar with roulette-themed counter.
- Four linked jackpots for slot players.
- Free champagne for ladies on Tuesdays.
- Themed events like Latino and Burlesque Nights.
This blend of gaming and leisure ensures Casino St. Moritz remains a dynamic destination in Northern and Central Europe.
Why Casino St. Moritz Stands Apart
Casino St. Moritz’s prestige lies in its unique status as Switzerland’s highest casino at 1,833 meters, offering an intimate gaming experience set against the stunning backdrop of the Engadin Valley. Its 80+ slots with four linked jackpots provide variety and excitement, while the five-table gaming floor caters to classic game enthusiasts with stakes up to CHF 1,000, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually—locals, Swiss residents, and tourists from nearby Italy and Germany. The boutique scale creates a cozy, exclusive atmosphere, though it lacks the expansive VIP offerings of larger casinos, focusing instead on accessibility and alpine charm.
The casino’s integration with St. Moritz’s luxury lifestyle enhances its allure. Open daily from 1 p.m. to 3 a.m. (4 a.m. on weekends) for slots and the lounge, with table games from 8 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, it requires ID for those over 18, adhering to Swiss gaming laws enforced by the Federal Gaming Board (ESBK). Its location—a 3-hour train ride from Zurich via the scenic Rhaetian Railway or a short drive from Milan (175 km)—makes it a convenient alpine escape, while partnerships with nearby hotels like the Kempinski Grand offer added luxury. Additional draws that set it apart include:
- Highest casino in Switzerland at 1,833 meters.
- Boutique gaming with an intimate atmosphere.
- Proximity to St. Moritz’s ski and spa amenities.
From its 2002 debut to its thriving presence in 2025, Casino St. Moritz stands as a Northern, Central, and Eastern European treasure, offering a refined blend of gaming, alpine elegance, and Swiss hospitality in the heart of the Engadin Valley.