Casinò Lugano celebrates twenty years, but in reality its activity begins much earlier. Can we retrace the main stages of this long history?
«In fact, it has been twenty years since the federal law was reformed and the regulation of big games in Switzerland, with the issue of a special licence, was revised. The origin dates back to 1884 when the first gaming room was opened. In 1885 the Teatro di Lugano was born, a building intended for theatrical and musical performances, dance parties and shows of any kind with annexed café and restaurant. In 1912 it obtained the license to manage small games and in 1922 it changed its name to Kursaal Theater and Casino, of which the Municipality became the largest shareholder in 1970, while 22 years later slot machines were introduced, in addition to the historic "boule" which we have preserved and it is still visible today inside the current building».
Even the property of the Casino has been transformed over time…
"Exactly. In the beginning it was owned by wealthy city families who gradually reduced their shares. In November 2002 the Casinò Lugano SA opened its doors, and subsequently the current share composition of the Casino Lugano: 65,73% to the Municipality, 29% to Casinos Austria Swiss, one of the world's leading groups specializing in the management of casinos, and the rest to some small private shareholders. The last restyling dates back to 2014 and 2018, and we are currently facing all the necessary procedures for the renewal of the new concession which will be operational from 1 January 2025".
What is the type of clientele that mainly frequents Casinò Lugano?
«I would say that it is an audience, about two-thirds coming from Italy and the rest domestic and made up of passing tourists, who come to play especially on weekends and are looking for a quiet and relaxed environment, away from the circuits of the mass market. A loyal clientele who loves to stay in the best city hotels, good restaurants, and who, depending on their gaming preferences, are distributed around the tables or in the rooms reserved for shot machines. For these customers we try in every way to create an entertainment context and we have created a special team that takes care of accompanying them in all requests for relaxation, entertainment, reservations, etc.».
What tools do you use to implement this transformation of the casino from a gaming house to a multifunctional entertainment space?
«We have implemented many initiatives aimed at offering customers ever new and satisfying experiences, increasing the pleasure of welcoming within the spaces of the Casino. Thus, for example, particular attention to the territory with the proposal of tastings, wines and typical products; meetings with Ticino producers, local associations and institutions; presentations or aperitifs, the Elementi Restaurant and the multifunctional room on the third floor, a space of over 250 square meters for events of charm, elegance and design, without forgetting all the various promotions or special offers that we create from time to time to invite you to attend the our structure".
What are the strengths of the strategy adopted to ensure the future development of Casino Lugano?
«Our action is centered along three main axes: first of all, as I have already said, the renewal of the federal concession with license A, which transcends the gambling house with a significant institutional impact for the City of Lugano; continue to guarantee the irreproachable reputation of the gaming house and the high level of quality that this casino reserves for its customers; achieve profitability for the gaming platform, swiss2024win.ch, in 4».
Speaking of reputation, how can we guarantee the protection of people by adopting measures aimed at controlling responsible gaming?
«For a casino, reputation, in addition to representing a legal obligation, represents the most important asset that must be maintained and protected in every way. The Swiss legislation on the subject is very precise and clearly determines which tasks each casino must fulfill with regard to the correct conduct of the games, the prevention of pathological gambling, money laundering and the possibilities for Casinos also offer the opportunity to play online».
What role does the introduction of online gaming play in the strategies of Casinò Lugano?
«Swiss4win is an important component of the strategic diversification of Casinò Lugano for the market of the future. Online gaming represents a phenomenon that has now definitively established itself all over the world, in respect of which it is essential not to demonize it but rather to identify forms of integration and control, in order to avoid risks of illegality and gambling addiction. The launch of Swiss4Win.ch, the first online casino in Ticino, has made it possible to make the Casinò Lugano service accessible anywhere in Switzerland and at any time, maintaining the high level of the gaming offer. We have invested in online and we plan to achieve profitability in this sector as well starting from 2024. The main objective is always to keep our casino ready to respond to market transformations and new needs expressed by customers, without ever renouncing the objective of quality entertainment, the repression of any abuse and the affirmation, on and off-line, of an authentic gaming culture».
Lugano is emerging as a point of reference in the field of Blockchian, new information technologies and also cryptocurrencies. Will it be possible to play using virtual coins in the future?
«Virtual money is a constantly evolving world. We are in contact with many operators and producers and we observe with interest what is coming. Tomorrow, with the necessary authorizations, we could start an experiment for the first cryptocurrency slot machines. You need to have an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and find the innovations that can confirm Lugano as a world reference point in the development of cryptocurrencies, but for now it is an area still full of unknowns: a gambling house cannot risk jeopardizing one of the pillars on which one's license is based, namely the reputation and in this respect mistakes cannot be allowed».
A strong bond destined to last between Lugano and its Casino
Greetings from Mayor Michele Foletti on the occasion of the 20th birthday of the Lugano Casino
«Dear Casino, happy birthday!
The bond that unites Lugano and its Casino is great and, I bet, it is destined to
further strengthen on the basis of the many shared visions. In fact, just like the City, our casino is always ready for new challenges and oriented towards constant renewal. Let's think, for example, of the way in which it was able to recover after the complicated period of the pandemic, investing and developing new projects (not least the online gaming platform swiss4win.ch). Its traditional tourist attraction and commitment to the area are also undeniable. A thousand of these birthdays therefore: Lugano would not be the same without its Casino».
Our work in the halls of the Casino
The thought of two collaborators who have personally experienced all the events of the Lugano Casino
Flavio Bonelli, Live Gaming Supervisor and Vip Manager (on the left in the photo)
«We have done a lot together during these 20 years at the Lugano Casino, we have put a lot of effort and energy into growing, improving ourselves, continuing to believe we are on the right track. In this period there have been many changes, improvements, difficulties too, but we managed to get molte satisfactions and we have worked with an ever increasing number of customers who have chosen us and who have had – and still do – lived with us positive and excited experiences. Now what matters most is to continue on this path. Together. For another 20 years!"
Tadjia Barun, Live Gaming Supervisor (pictured right)
«I have 20 years of experience in this company and over the time spent here, I have learned the passion for doing things, identifying in my colleagues a valid and strong support, a guide from whom to learn and with whom to share experiences and emotions. It has been twenty years of commitment, updates, evolution, trust, tortuous passages, but they have been fundamental steps to transform us and enrich us to be increasingly innovative and diversified for our customers.
It is a great pleasure for me to still be here and to be able to celebrate this important milestone. The awareness of being part of a project that continues to grow and improve makes me proud to be part of it. And it encourages me to keep wanting to be a part of it."
