Austria's gambling is still legal, but more or less strictly adjustable. More or less, because it used to be more stricter. Today, legislation has a little weakened control over entertainment institutions of a similar plan. In Austria, you can distinguish traditional gambling from the so-called "Kleines Glücksspiel", that is, "light gambling" (with a limited amount of money at the rate and participating).
Recent studies have shown that the number of game Internet clubs and gaming bars over the past 15 years are completed equally in all significant Austrian communities.
Most of them can be found in poor areas of cities. In the case of Salzburg, these gaming bars are located in the area of the railway station and in the LEHEN area. These places are usually popular with immigrants and, as a rule, are not particularly recognized by tourists. The infinite debates on the reduction of such establishments are not stopped, and the Green Party struggles with them most actively. Party more about the attention more about this question, and it is suspicious, as it seems that major gambling companies simply have close ties with heads of large parties that allow them to continue. But we will not go into politics! Not our business!
But it's worth telling about the casino, because, any, any, and it can become an excellent adventure during your trip to Salzburg! Real Casino in Austria is a completely different story - they are usually considered respectable and even elite institutions. Since Austria joined the European Union in 1995, the country had to abandon (or at least weaken) from gambling monopoly. Former state casinos of Austria were privatized. In general, several casinos still work in Austria and are among the largest gambling companies in the world (to Las Vegas, of course, it is unlikely possible to reach). Unlike often dilated small bars with slot machines, a casino in Austria is aimed at a more adult and rich clientele (as elsewhere, actually). Casino in the country can often be found in palace buildings. In Salzburg there are two casinos of this kind.
One of them is Casino Salzburg (Casino Salzburg) Located in the Rococo Palace, called Schloss Klessheim.
The building was built during the board of Archbishop Firmian, and the palace has long been a separate attraction. Palace surrounded by beautiful English gardens more than once became scenery for Hollywood and European films. To spend the evening behind gambling in such a luxurious institution - a truly unforgettable impression. The place is really unique, despite the fact that other casinos are also located in very beautiful buildings. Casino can be reached, for example, on the suburban electricide S 2, S 3, S 4, S, S8 in the SAALFELDEN direction (Salzburg Taxham Europark is either Salzburg Liefering), from the city center about 25 minutes away.
Second casino Casino Bad Gastein (Bad Gastein Casino) is located in the center of the town of the same name, the southern suburb of Salzburg.
The building in which the casino is located in 1907 in the Art Nouveau style.
By car, the path from Salzburg to Bad Gastein will take a little more than an hour, and in public transport, I am afraid, you will have to do with all two hours (it is necessary to take the railway station to the Rex 1500 train in the direction of Innsbruck HBF, then in an hour to reach the Schwarzach-St station. VEIT and from the station to sit on 550 bus in the direction of Heilstollen Via Bad Hofgastein-Bad Gastein-Böckste (and go for another 40 minutes). We go to the station Bad Gastein Mozartplatz - to the casino it remains walking for about 5 minutes.
As in all casinos in Austria, this two institutions require an entrance fee. To date, the fee is 23 euros, and on this amount you get coupons (tokens), which are equal to 25 euros. You must play with these tokens. You can exchange them back to money only if the tokens were used in some game (if you still lucky, of course, and tokens will be in your hands). Interesting and fairly frequent events are held in the casino, such as the "ladies" ("ladies' nights"), when girls are provided for discounts on the entrance and drinks, as well as small surprises (for example, a free glass of champagne). Casino can offer roulette, various card games, bones and slot machines. Casino visitors should be 18 years old - prepare your passport. In theory, this age value applies to both gambling bars, but not always complied, in contrast to the casino.
Here they are, Casino Salzburg! Forward and with games!