Betting in Prague
Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. It has a population of 1.247 million residents and is the 14th-biggest city within the European Union. Prague’s history spans over 11 century’s and has long been a European centre of politics, culture, and economics. In fact, Prague was once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Prague has a wealth of historical architecture which is still in near-pristine contrition today and represents an array of different styles. Prague’s ancient centre was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1992, and includes the impressive National Theatre, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter, Lennon Wall, Dancing House and Petrin Hill. Twenty-five percent of the Czech’s GDP is fed by the city’s economy. Prague is home to many thriving industries such as printing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, transport manufacture, electrical engineering, computer technology, trade, financial services, commercial services, accommodations, restaurants and public administration. Half of the country’s tourism budget is spent in Prague, as the city attracts over four million visitors every year. In fact, the Czech Republic ranks as the sixth most popular destination to visit in Europe.
Prague’s gambling industry is dominated by two competitive entertainment companies. One of which is the Merkur Casino brand. Merkur Casinos are part of the Gauselmann Group, which is based in Germany. Paul Gauselmann began the family owned business in 1957, initially by reconditioning second hand U.S. jukeboxes. In 1976, the business started producing its own games machines. A typical example of a Merkur Casino property would be the Cerny, open for play every day and offering 150 gaming machines.
The other company with a presence in Prague is the Casino Admiral Brand, under the ownership of the Novomatic Group. In total they operate eight gambling venues in the city. The flagship establishment is known as the Casino Admiral Bohemia which offers 24/7 action for its 50+ games machines. In addition, there are 24 games tables which are available everyday from 5pm until 6am. Games include Blackjack, American Roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, Gold Strike, Let It Ride, Pontoon and Poker. Bettors can also enjoy an on-site bar and restaurant.
The majority of Prague’s casinos are located within its large hotels. The Viva! Casino is hosted within the Prague Marriott Hotel and offers 50 gaming machines, 14 games tables, a bar and a couple of restaurants. Likewise, the Casino Atrium Hilton accommodates up to 788 guest rooms, a restaurant, 20 gaming machines and 17 games tables.
The Corinthia Hotel Prague & Casino boasts 575 guest rooms, a bar, a restaurant, six gaming machines and seven games tables. The Henry Casino is open for play 24/7, and features six slot machines and eleven table games. The casino is attached to Hotel Jalta which has 89 guest rooms and three restaurants. The Casino Ambassador can be found in the Ambassador Hotel where people can enjoy round-the-clock gaming machines, table games, a bar and a choice of restaurants. Showcasing foreign gambling venue names are the Casino Happy Day, the Spearmint Rhino Gentleman’s Club & Casino, Vegas Casino Prague and the Banco Casino which is another 24/7 establishment, offering 53 slots, 16 games tables plus Poker activities. The Casino Praha is characterised by its Always Nuts Poker Club.
The people of Prague are fond of Poker and the city hosts specialised clubs for the gambling activity. The Concord Card Casino has fairly recently appeared on the scene, as has the Card Casino Prague, which in 2012, held the European Masters of Poker tournament. For those who favour horseracing, the city includes a track with its own race book and VIP restaurant. The Dostihove Zavodiste Praha-Velka Chuchle hosts the Czech Derby event every June.
