Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the Mediterranean, about 20 kilometers north of Beirut, Casino du Liban stands as one of Lebanon’s most iconic landmarks. With sweeping sea views and sprawling across a 35,000-square-meter estate, it remains one of the only licensed gaming venue in the Middle East and North Africa. Since opening its doors in 1959, the casino has mirrored the country’s own journey.

The Casino’s story began on 29 July 1957, when Casino du Liban received Lebanon’s exclusive gaming license. At the time, the country was experiencing a remarkable period of economic growth and tourism, with Beirut emerging as one of the most vibrant cities in the Mediterranean.

Two years later, on 17 December 1959, the casino officially opened its doors. The new venue immediately captured attention for its grand architecture and lavish interiors, blending Eastern elegance with Western sophistication. With its privileged location overlooking the coast, the casino quickly established itself as a glamorous destination for visitors arriving in Lebanon from across the region and beyond.

The casino quickly became synonymous with spectacle and elegance. Its renowned Salle des Ambassadeurs performance hall hosted elaborate theatrical productions and concerts that drew international attention. When director Charlie Henchis took charge of the shows in 1961, the scale and creativity of the performances expanded even further, earning praise from publications around the world.

Between 1960 and 1965, the prestigious Miss Europe competition was held at the casino for six consecutive years, the first time the event had ever taken place outside Europe. The venue also hosted Miss Lebanon in 1971, when Georgina Rizk, who would later be crowned Miss Universe, took the national title on its stage.

Throughout these years, the casino attracted an extraordinary list of visitors. King Hussein of Jordan, the Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Prince Albert of Monaco and actor Omar Sharif were among the many prominent figures drawn to its world-class shows, refined dining and lively gaming rooms. Cruise liners sailing along the Mediterranean even made stops nearby, allowing travelers and high-profile guests to spend evenings enjoying the casino’s performances and entertainment before continuing their journey.

The outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War in 1975 marked a dramatic turning point. Like many grand Lebanese institutions, the casino was forced to close its doors repeatedly as conflict spread across the country. During the long years of unrest, international visitors disappeared and the casino’s activity became intermittent. Loyal Lebanese patrons continued to visit during brief periods of calm, helping keep its spirit alive despite the uncertainty surrounding it. By 1989, however, severe damage forced the casino to cease operations entirely, bringing an end to an era.

In the years that followed, an ambitious restoration project sought to revive the landmark. After a major refurbishment costing around 50 million dollars, Casino du Liban reopened with a grand ceremony in December 1996. The event was attended by more than a thousand guests, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the historic venue. The reopening restored the casino’s elegant halls, theatres and gaming spaces, reconnecting it with the glamour that once defined it.

Casino du Liban Today

Today, Casino du Liban continues to hold a unique place in Lebanon’s cultural and entertainment landscape. Beyond its gaming rooms, the complex regularly hosts concerts, theatre productions, beauty pageants, culinary events and international tournaments. The Salle des Ambassadeurs remains an important performance venue, welcoming artists and audiences throughout the year.

More than six decades after its opening, the casino still embodies the same idea that inspired its creation: a meeting point between East and West, where entertainment, elegance and celebration come together on the Lebanese coast.

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