Estoril Casino

Whilst maybe not quite as glitzy as Las Vegas the Casino in Estoril is reputed to be the largest in Europe. Whether or not this is still case the casino is definitely big, offering over 1,000 slot machines. Game tables include roulette, blackjack, banca francesa, punto banco, baccarat and poker.

In addition to the gambling on offer the casino is also an entertainment venue with events held in the 1,000 seat Salão Preto e Prata There is also an auditorium where concerts are held and an art gallery with permanent painting and sculpture exhibitions.

Estoril Casino is also home to what is probably the finest Chinese restaurant in all Portugal. Featuring luxurious decor and exotic dishes the Estoril Mandarim is a cut above the average Chinese eatery.

The casino has history too. During World War II Estoril was something of a hotspot for exiled royalty and deposed despots, as well as spies from all sides. One such spy was Ian Fleming, the James Bond author, and it is said that his experiences here were the inspiration for his first Bond book - Casino Royale. Interestingly enough much of the later Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, was filmed in the Estoril / Cascais area.