Hi Jim,

yes, that´s the way casios are in Europe (not only in Monaco).
We can not play 24 hours a day, we mostly have to pay a fee to enter the casino, and we have to be well dressed.
But normaly you can stand by the table and watch the other play.
The casino in Monaco is a very old building with a long history.
I was there last year. It was realy great.
But it is very different to Las Vegas, I guess

Even if Black had been open, I think your friend did not like to play. When I was there the minimum bet was 50.00 Euro (that´s $55.00)
Noone was playing! Normaly the minimun bet for Black Jack in Europe is 5.00 or 10.00 Euro.

Many greetings,
Bjoern