Perched on the rugged tip of the Tad-Dragun peninsula in St. Julian’s, the Dragonara Casino reigns as Malta’s premier gaming destination, blending a rich historical legacy with Mediterranean elegance and modern entertainment. Housed within the grand Dragonara Palace since its opening as a casino in 1964, this iconic venue offers a captivating mix of over 300 slot machines, classic table games, and a poker room with breathtaking views of St. George’s Bay. For those exploring the most prestigious land-based casinos of Western and Southern Europe, Dragonara stands out as a must-visit, its neoclassical architecture and seaside setting creating an experience that marries Maltese heritage with the thrill of gaming.
The casino’s story began over 150 years ago as a summer palace for the Scicluna family, transforming into Malta’s first casino and a cornerstone of the island’s tourism boom. Its strategic location in St. Julian’s—near Paceville’s vibrant nightlife and just 10 kilometers from Valletta—makes it a natural draw for the 1.5 million tourists who visit Malta annually, as well as locals seeking a taste of luxury. Beyond its gaming floors, Dragonara offers gourmet dining, live sports viewing, and a terrace that showcases the Mediterranean’s azure beauty, cementing its status as a cultural and leisure landmark. This article uncovers the casino’s fascinating history, its architectural splendor, and the diverse entertainment that keeps it a jewel in Southern Europe’s crown.
Dragonara Casino’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance tradition with modernity, offering something for every visitor—whether a high roller in the VIP lounge, a casual player at the slots, or a foodie savoring a meal with a sea view. Managed by Dragonara Gaming Limited since 2010, it has seen over €25 million in investments, ensuring it remains a leader in Malta’s gaming scene while preserving the palace’s original charm. Its role in establishing Malta as a tourist destination, paired with its accessibility via free shuttle services and proximity to top hotels, makes it a standout treasure in Western and Southern Europe’s casino landscape. Let’s explore what makes this Maltese icon so remarkable.
A Coastal Gaming Icon: Key Features at a Glance
Dragonara Casino’s allure is rooted in its historic palace setting and a robust gaming portfolio that caters to a wide range of players, all enhanced by its stunning Mediterranean backdrop. The table below outlines its core offerings, providing a quick look at what visitors can expect from this Maltese treasure.
| Feature | Details | Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | 300+ machines, classic and modern | Slots Palace (Ground) | 24/7 daily |
| Roulette | European, American, electronic | Main Gaming Floor | 10 a.m. – 6 a.m. daily |
| Blackjack | Classic and multi-hand variants | Main Gaming Floor | 10 a.m. – 6 a.m. daily |
| Poker | Texas Hold’em, daily tournaments | Poker Room (Upper Floor) | 7 p.m. – 6 a.m. daily |
| Sports Lounge | Live sports betting, big screens | Sports Bar & Grill | 12 p.m. – 2 a.m. daily |
From Summer Palace to Gaming Pioneer
The Dragonara Casino’s story begins in 1870, when Maltese banker Emmanuele Scicluna, later the first Marquis Scicluna, constructed the Dragonara Palace as a summer residence on the Tad-Dragun peninsula. Designed in a neoclassical style with colonnaded verandas overlooking the sea, the palace was a testament to Scicluna’s wealth and vision, serving as a retreat for his family amid Malta’s burgeoning elite society. Its name, tied to local legends of dragons roaring from nearby caves—likely the sound of waves or wind—added a mystical allure, though smugglers may have spread such tales to deter intruders from the peninsula.
The palace’s transformation into a casino came on July 15, 1964, when the Scicluna family leased it to the Kursaal Company Limited, marking it as Malta’s first gaming venue. This move was a pivotal step in establishing Malta as a tourist destination, capitalizing on the island’s growing appeal to European travelers seeking sun and leisure. The casino thrived through the late 20th century, surviving wartime uses as a hospital in World War I and a refugee shelter in World War II, before passing to government control in the 1980s. In 2010, Dragonara Gaming Limited, a fully Maltese-owned company, took over, investing over €25 million—including a €10 million upgrade in 2016—to modernize the facility while preserving its heritage. Key milestones in its history include:
- 1870: Built as the Scicluna family’s summer palace.
- 1964: Opens as Malta’s first casino, boosting tourism.
- 2010: Dragonara Gaming Limited assumes management.
- 2021: Secures a 10-year concession, ensuring future growth.
These moments trace its evolution from a private retreat to a Southern European gaming icon, reflecting Malta’s rise on the global stage.
Architectural Majesty and Entertainment Unveiled
Dragonara Casino’s home, the Dragonara Palace, is a neoclassical masterpiece that elevates its gaming experience with timeless elegance. Constructed in 1870, the palace features a symmetrical façade of Istrian stone, with colonnades wrapping around its sea-facing veranda, offering panoramic views of St. George’s Bay. Inside, the grand staircase leads to gaming floors where original architectural details—marble floors, high ceilings, and ornate moldings—blend with modern upgrades like LED lighting and advanced gaming systems. The Slots Palace on the ground floor contrasts with the upper floors’ refined ambiance, creating a dynamic yet cohesive space.
The gaming offerings are extensive and well-rounded. The Slots Palace, open 24/7, houses over 300 machines, from classic three-reel slots to modern video games with bets starting at €0.01, catering to casual players. The main gaming floor, active from 10 a.m. to 6 a.m., features over 18 tables—European and American Roulette, blackjack, Punto Banco, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em—with stakes ranging from €5 to €10,000 in the VIP Lounge. The poker room, open from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., overlooks the bay with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering Texas Hold’em cash games and daily tournaments with buy-ins from €25 to €500, drawing both locals and international players. The dress code is smart-casual, balancing accessibility with a touch of formality.
Entertainment at Dragonara extends beyond gaming, enriching its appeal as a leisure hub. The Dragonara Brasserie serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine—think fresh seafood pastas and grilled meats—crafted by executive chef Claudio Schiavone, with dining options on a terrace that seats 80 and overlooks the sea until 2 a.m. The Sports Bar & Grill, Malta’s first bet-and-dine venue, offers live sports betting on big screens from noon to 2 a.m., paired with a menu of burgers and craft beers. The casino hosts events—live music, DJ nights, and private parties in its colonnaded halls—adding vibrancy without extra cost. Standout entertainment features include:
- Brasserie terrace dining with Mediterranean views.
- Sports Bar & Grill’s live betting and dining combo.
- Poker room’s scenic bay backdrop.
- Free live music and events in the lounge.
This blend of gaming and leisure ensures Dragonara remains a dynamic destination in Southern Europe.
Why Dragonara Casino Endures
Dragonara Casino’s prestige stems from its pioneering role as Malta’s first casino and its ability to maintain relevance over six decades. Its 300+ slots and 18+ tables cater to a wide range of players, while the VIP Lounge offers a secluded high-stakes retreat with personalized service. The poker room, one of Europe’s most scenic, draws enthusiasts with its daily tournaments and stunning views, contributing to its 47% market share of Malta’s land-based gaming revenue as of recent years. Its location in St. Julian’s ties it to the island’s nightlife and tourism hub, enhancing its draw for the 350,000 patrons it welcomes annually.
The casino’s integration with Malta’s coastal charm elevates its appeal. Open 24/7 with no entry fee for shuttle users (or a €10 fee with a €10 chip for others), it aligns with the island’s welcoming ethos, requiring only an ID for those over 18 (25 for Maltese nationals). Its proximity to luxury hotels like The Westin Dragonara and free shuttle services from key points like Valletta and Sliema make it effortlessly accessible. Additional highlights that set it apart include:
- Neoclassical palace setting with preserved heritage.
- Mediterranean-inspired dining by a top chef.
- Free shuttle enhancing visitor convenience.
From its 19th-century origins as a summer palace to its thriving status in 2025, Dragonara Casino stands as a Western and Southern European treasure, offering a timeless blend of history, gaming, and Maltese hospitality on the shores of St. George’s Bay.