The rebirth of Monaco

Monaco has been a luxury playground for almost 150 years. The idea to open a casino, luring in the rich and great from across Europe, was born of a need to save the state from financial ruin.

It worked immediately – and has done ever since. Many of Monaco's current clientele have been visiting the Principality faithfully for decades, funding its status as a superbly wealthy pleasure enclave with their high-rolling losses and taste for fine dining and high fashion.

The success provided by that loyalty has not come without a price.