Casinos in Lebanon

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Introduction

Lebanon is a small and historically rich country in the Middle East. It’s known by its landscapes, historical sites, and the nightlife in the capital of Beirut. There are two legal gambling venues in the country, Casino du Liban and Beirut Hippodrome, also known as the Hippodrome du Parc de Beyrouth.

While music and socializing are popular pastimes in the city, the country’s only casino, Casino du Liban, doesn't typically appear on top nightlife lists these days.

Despite Beirut's appeal to locals and expatriates, Lebanon may not feature prominently on many travelers' bucket lists due to various factors. Western visitors are often advised against traveling to anywhere in the country, especially the southern part of the country, which borders Syria. Additionally, it's recommended to avoid refugee settlement areas due to the country's unpredictable security situation. Conflicts can arise along the Lebanese-Israeli border, and turmoil in Syria can spill over into Lebanon. The nation also faces an economic crisis and political and religious tensions. Visitors could inadvertently find themselves amid family, neighborhood, or sectarian disputes.

The good news is that Lebanon’s Casino du Liban is located north of Beirut in Maameltein, Jounieh, by the sea. Just a bit further north lies a large beachfront resort area with several high-end properties, generally making the casino itself considered relatively safe.

Recent visitor reviews of Casino du Liban have been mixed, with some unconfirmed reports of theft and complaints about the quality of entertainment at the once-bustling resort. The fact that the casino has continued to operate, albeit intermittently, through decades of civil strife is quite remarkable. While some reports suggest the resort has been refurbished, others describe a slow, ongoing renovation process that never seems to fully refresh the property. Visitor images provide no clear confirmation or denial of either account.

Our research from several years ago indicated the casino houses about 400 slot machines and other electronic gaming devices, around 50 table games, and 6 heads-up poker tables. Some reports now suggest that the slots are outdated. We haven't seen the VIP rooms, but it's reasonable to expect they are lavishly appointed salons.

Casino du Liban

A History

Casino du Liban was established in 1959 and quickly became a symbol of luxury and entertainment in the Middle East. The casino's glamorous opening attracted celebrities, high-rollers, and dignitaries from around the globe. Throughout the years such names as Duke Ellington, Danny Thomas, Jacques Brel, and Julio Iglesias have graced the stage there.

Casino operations were interrupted during the Lebanese Civil War, but it reopened in 1996 after extensive renovations. Since then, it has continued to attract a diverse crowd of tourists and locals, offering a blend of traditional and modern gaming experiences. Among the well-known names that have visited the property throughout the years, you’ll find Aristotle Onassis, Albert II Prince of Monaco, the Shah of Iran, King Hussein of Jordan, and Omar Sharif.

Casino du Liban holds a monopoly on all gambling in the Lebanese territory according to the gaming license secured from the Lebanese Government in 1959. The license was renewed when it reopened in 1996 with a 20-year term until 2026. In 2024 the operation obtained Lebanon’s only online gambling license.

The land-based gambling and entertainment venue is majority-owned (52%) by Intra Bank. Private Investors hold 32% of the stock with Abela Tourism & Development Company (ATDC) controlling the remainder.

Gaming and Entertainment Today

Casino du Liban offers a good variety of gaming options, catering to both novice and seasoned gamblers as well as local and visiting customers. During the civil war, the venue was kept open by business generated locally and closed several times briefly before being badly damaged by bombs facilitating the long hiatus. The casino floor features about 400 slot machines and numerous table games, including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, along with three types of poker available in three separate rooms off the main casino floor.

High rollers can enjoy the exclusive VIP rooms, which provide a more discreet and luxurious gaming experience. The highest publicly announced table is for Mini Punto Banco (baccarat) In the Salles Privees room with US$100 minimum bets and US$2000 max bets per hand.

Membership is required to enter a variety of rooms. The international room features American roulette at a minimum of $5 per spin and Blackjack for $10-$100 per hand.

The casino’s website presents an attractive picture of an entertainment destination with a live show calendar that looks impressive for fans of regional favorites. Look for concerts, theater performances, and cabaret shows, including dancers in the regional style backed by bands.

Dining and Amenities

The casino features several dining options, ranging from fine dining restaurants to casual cafes. La Martingale offers a gourmet dining experience with a menu that includes international and Lebanese cuisine. Be sure to head to the La Martingale Terrace for dinner and dancing after dark and one of the most celebrated views on the sea coast.

Beirut Hippodrome

The Beirut Hippodrome in Lebanon (Hippodrome Du Parc De Beyrouth), has a long history as a horse racing track, dating back to 1885, 1916, and 1920. Situated in the country's capital, this facility has played a singular role in Lebanon's horse-riding culture for nearly a century and a half.

The racing season typically spans from spring to autumn, drawing horse racing enthusiasts both locally and internationally. Throughout its history, the Beirut Hippodrome has been the venue for many prestigious races, featuring well-known horses and jockeys from the region. Beyond being a sports facility, the track holds significant cultural value and today serves as a reminder of Lebanon's deep-rooted heritage and love for horse racing.

The racing facility is managed by the Society for the Protection and Improvement of the Arabian Horse (SPARCA). The non-profit organization describes its key goals as, “...to ensure an activity with social, agricultural, ecological, cultural, touristic value as well as organize races, calendar and other events in addition to ensure the smooth functioning of bets and improve the different breeds of galloping horse”.

Conclusion

Lebanon's casino scene is extremely limited, with only one casino ever licensed: Casino du Liban. Despite facing several challenges, the staff has shown great dedication, especially during periods with low or no tourism, maintaining high standards and offering exemplary service to both local and foreign patrons.

Reviews of the current gambling and entertainment offerings are mixed. It's important to remember that some negative reviews may stem from personal gambling losses rather than genuine dissatisfaction with the experience.

Lebanon is not typically a destination people choose solely for gambling and entertainment. However, if you find yourself in the country, visiting Casino du Liban or the horse track might provide life-long memories of your trip.

While we don't anticipate significant growth or evolution in Lebanon's casino industry soon, the Hippodrome and Casino du Liban continue to attract visitors in a region where such venues are rare.