The first casino openned in 1856, being Monaco sovereign Charles IIi of the house of Grimaldi, worried by the decline of the Principality´s finances. the initiative was of a Parisian financier François Blanc, who was the owner of Casino Basd Homburg in Germany. Blanc abolish the double zero in the roulette, and reducing the chances of the casino, convert the casino in a model gambling house for the eyes of gamblers.
In less ten years Monte carlo became the world capital of elegance, society and gambling. A State with 3kms coast, crushed between France and Italy, became the residence for lots of rich italians, french and other rich people.
There was such influx of visitors that the building of the first casino became inadequable.
Charles Grimaldi, himself a gambler, wagered the Principality´s entire fortune on development of tourism and gambling, decided to enlarge the casino and the theatre to put operas, concerts and shows.
The work to enlarge the casino was completed in six months, and the openning took place on the 25th January 1879...
A success history...until today. (Monaco being a finance paradise is residence for the most rich,well known and rich sportsmen,etc
Do you remenber???
An american actress Grace Kelly became Princess Grace of Monaco by marriage.