Out of all the countries in the Middle East, Lebanon has one of the most colourful histories when it comes to casino gaming. This history is owed mainly to the Casino du Liban, which is one of the most well-known casinos in Lebanon and many the many other countries that surround the region.
Impressively, the Casino du Liban continued to operate for years despite the civil war until it closed for renovation, further adding to the historical value of the establishment. The casino is still in operation today, and serves as the main casino gaming establishment in Lebanon.
The Casino du Liban in Lebanon
The Casino du Liban is located in the region of Maameltein, overlooking the bay of Jounieh. This region is situated just 22 kilometres north of the Lebanese capital of Beirut. The casino was officially opened in 1959, where it operated throughout political turbulence right up until 1989.
At this point, the Casino du Liban was closed briefly to be refurbished and renovated, a project which cost close to $50 million in total. The casino reopened during 1996, and has continued to operate in Maameltein since.
Casino Gaming at Casino du Liban
The Casino du Liban contains a relatively large casino, which spans over 35,000 square metres of gaming space. The casino houses over 400 slots and video poker machines, as well as 4 separate casino table game rooms.
The International Room and the Mediterranean Room are both open from 16:00 to 04:00 each day, while the Cercle d’Or Room and the Salles Privees for high rollers open from 22:00 to 04:00.
Table Games and Texas Hold’em Tournaments
Each of the casino gaming rooms at the Casino du Liban offers blackjack, American roulette, punto banco and stud poker, while the international room also offers slot machines and progressive jackpot slots.
There is also a section of the casino dedicated entirely to Aussie pokies games online, which can be played from 10:00 to 06:00 every day. The slots in the International Room and the Mediterranean Room are available between the hours of 16:00 and 04:00.
Additionally, the Casino du Liban started hosting Texas Hold’em Poker tournaments in 2007, and the casino continues to hold weekly poker tournaments which attract a variety of high profile Middle Eastern poker players.
Casino du Liban Entertainment and Performances
Entertainment at the Casino du Liban is offered mainly at the Theatre du Liban. This large theatre can seat over 1,000 spectators, and hosts local Lebanese plays, international operas and ballets, Broadway theatre productions, music concerts, jazz festivals and comedies.
Another performance and event venue at the casino is the Salles des Ambassadeurs. This 600-seat banquet venue and theatre also hosts regular performances and shows for guests at the Casino du Liban.
Dining and Nightlife at the Casino
Dining and nightlife at the Casino du Liban can be found at the International Room and the Cercle d’Or Room, both of which have their own in-house restaurants which can only be visited by casino players.
Another nearby venue is La Martingale Restaurant and Summer Terrace, which hosts live entertainment and offers both indoor dining and dining on their terrace with a view of the Jounieh bay.