The enduring bond between casinos and luxury is an age-old affair that traces back to the 17th century when the first gambling institutions started to appear. These opulent, glamorous, and elegant venues provided unparalleled exclusivity and were reserved only for elite clientele willing to spend the time in style.
Ages later, things have changed greatly, and casinos turned into multifaceted entertainment hubs welcoming everyone. Today, you can even access all the popular games and win cash online using any device you have at hand – GGBet casino is arguably the most renowned provider of digital gambling services that makes this possible.
However, the very concept of casinos still conjures a touch of pomp, while the most prominent gambling halls in the world accommodate not only games of chance but also Michelin-starred restaurants, spa facilities, five-star hotels, and even shopping centers. Let’s shed light on the evolving casino landscape, defining why it’s so synonymous with luxury.
The Pomposity of First Casinos
The intersection between luxury and casinos began in 1638 when the first gambling house—Ridotto—opened its doors in Venice to provide people with a new form of entertainment during the Carnival season. Only the wealthy were allowed to indulge in gambling experiences and try their luck in the former versions of blackjack and roulette. The casino also had strict entry rules and obliged its patrons to always wear Carnival masks and hats.
Although many other gambling houses followed the Ridotto, the first venue to set the true standard for luxury was the Casino de Monte Carlo. Established in 1863 in Monaco, it quickly became the favorite playground for European aristocracy and attracted affluent visitors from around the world.
Upscale casinos began to flourish in the middle of the 20th century with the rise of Las Vegas. This is when the world witnessed the emergence of gambling establishments for high rollers. These casinos were designed to provide full-fledged luxury experiences to their patrons, including gourmet dining and elite entertainment, shaping the modern high-class casino model.
Casino Luxury Shown in Cinematography
Gambling movies are not in short supply nowadays. Even though they may not be entirely casino-centric, many feature gambling scenes in luxury settings richly adorned with stacks of money, haute couture fashion, lavish decor, and extravagant lifestyles. These places are of big dreams and bright lights, reinforced with a stellar cast dressed up in the most elegant clothes that exude wealth.
Some movies are associated with casinos even more closely so that we immerse ourselves in wealth and luxury, albeit through the cinematic lens. For instance, James Bond has gambled in about a dozen locations over 24 pictures. The British secret agent is commonly associated with the Monte Carlo Casino, which appeared in GoldenEye, Never Say Never Again, and Casino Royale. This luxury gambling venue was filmed in Ocean’s Twelve, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, The Castle of Cagliostro, and Condorman.
Romanticized cinematic portrayals of casinos as glamorous venues filled with wealth and excitement are undeniably captivating, although they do not always reflect reality. So, many modern gambling establishments do not require players to put on the finest attire, have sparkling chandeliers, or have lavish design elements in their interiors. However, they can still be fun and entertaining to play at.
Historical Interplay between Luxury Fashion and Casinos
Elegance and style were embedded in the early casinos, as gambling was a social event where the elite could showcase their sartorial prowess. In this context, cocktail dresses and tuxedos were a prerequisite to entering a casino and evidence of one’s affluence and status.
As time passed, the landscape of casino fashion has been influenced by top-class designers, with luxury brands shaping the dress codes and general aesthetic within gambling establishments. So, Moschino and Chanel incorporated the casino theme into their fashion collections and shows, successfully merging these two worlds. The iconic Chanel tweed suits epitomized the elegance associated with gambling halls, while Moschino’s whimsical creations transformed the traditional casino wear into stunning fashionable ensembles. Other renowned designers like Michael Kors and Givenchy have also taken inspiration from the gambling culture and explored its influence on people’s perceptions of an elegant and classy fashion sense.
As for current trends, a blend of style and comfort is in vogue, while casinos have more relaxed dress codes or do not have them. But even when there is no obligation to wear Bond-inspired suits or cocktail dresses to sit at the blackjack or poker table, dealers customarily wear white shirts and classy waistcoats with a black bow tie. Such a polished outfit aligns with the traditional image of gambling establishments as places of sophistication, elegance, and luxury.
