From the beginning up to the present day
The history of the Grand Casino Bern
How long has the casino been a giant of the Bern entertainment scene?
Switzerland’s first casino opened in Saxon-Les-Bains already back in 1854. The Grand Casino Bern opened its doors in April 2002, as one of seven class-A casinos in Switzerland. For the casino’s tenth anniversary, the existing casino floor was extended by almost half to roughly 1,500 square metres. At the same time, the range of games on offer was expanded as well, and the entrance area was given a redesign.
Stylish surrounds, a unique design, an attractive range of games and fascinating lighting displays add a touch of Las Vegas magic for guests at the Grand Casino Bern – very much in keeping with the historic Kursaal Bern building and its impressive chandelier-lit hall.
From the beginning up to the present day
It all started with boules
Boules was played at the Kursaal Bern for more than 100 years. This historic table game has a long tradition and stood at the centre of the activities in the Kursaal Bern for decades, until the last ball was rolled across the table in 2002. This is because, as the years went on, slot machines became increasingly popular. The slots attracted a lot of players and were in great demand, which meant that there was nothing standing in the way of a successful start for the Grand Casino Bern at the Kursaal Bern.
Milestones
- 1859–1860 Merchant Emanuel Lanz builds the Schänzli summer restaurant
- 1903 The “Kursaal- & Sommerkasino-Gesellschaft Schänzli” association is founded
- 1914 The new Kursaal opens with the Concert Hall wing, a lift tower, a foyer, the Concert Hall and a games room
- 1920 Gambling operations begin
- 1933 The Chandelier Hall wing opens
- 1946 The Concert Hall is expanded
- 1998 The Hotel Allegro opens
- 2002 The Grand Casino Bern opens on 6 July
- 2012 Extensive renovations are completed
- 2020 The/our online casino 7melons.ch launches