Casinos are usually associated with neon lights, grand lobbies, and an atmosphere designed to keep visitors entertained. But behind the glitz and glamour, many casinos occupy buildings with fascinating past lives. Some were once community hubs, while others had completely different roles that you’d never expect. With insight from Ivy Casino, here are five casinos around the world that started off as something entirely different.
1. The Hippodrome Casino (London, UK) – From Circus to Cards
Before it became one of the most famous casinos in London, the Hippodrome opened in 1900 as a circus and variety theatre. Its massive water tank once staged aquatic spectacles, and it even hosted elephants performing on stage. Over the years, it transitioned into a nightclub and concert venue before finally being transformed into the sprawling casino it is today.
Located in Leicester Square, it is one of the city’s most iconic entertainment venues. Beyond gaming, the Hippodrome offers restaurants, bars, and a cabaret theatre, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Its unique blend of heritage architecture and contemporary entertainment ensures it remains a central hub of London’s West End nightlife.
2. Casino de Montréal (Canada) – From Expo Pavilion to Gaming Giant
Built for Expo 67, one of the largest world fairs of the 20th century, the building that now houses Casino de Montréal originally served as the French Pavilion. Its futuristic design made it a landmark long before the slot machines and poker tables arrived. Repurposed in 1993, it now stands as Canada’s largest casino, attracting millions of visitors annually.
In 2013, a major renovation, in collaboration with Moment Factory, introduced "The Zone", an interactive and immersive gaming environment featuring large-scale digital installations. This modernisation helped maintain its competitive edge within North America’s casino landscape.
3. Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati (USA) – From Department Store to Entertainment Hub
Downtown Cincinnati’s Hard Rock Casino sits on a site that was once home to a major department store. Before becoming a place for nightlife and concerts, the location served as a bustling retail hub for local shoppers. The transformation shows how urban spaces adapt, turning commerce into entertainment.
The casino boasts more than 1,600 slot machines, around 100 live table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and a 24/7 poker room with both cash games and tournaments It’s also home to a full-service sportsbook, featuring over 150 TVs, several betting kiosks, and betting windows, where patrons can wager on a wide range of sports, both in-person and via the Hard Rock Bet mobile app.
4. Casino Baden-Baden (Germany) – From Pump Room to Palace of Chance
The elegant Baden-Baden Casino began in the early 19th century as part of a spa complex. European aristocrats flocked to the town for its healing hot springs, and the building originally served as a “pump room” where visitors could drink and socialise. Over time, it evolved into one of Europe’s most luxurious casinos, frequented by celebrities and royalty alike.
The casino displays exquisite architecture that reflects French elegance, with richly decorated halls, gilded mirrors, and opulent chandeliers, giving visitors the feeling of stepping into a royal palace. Today, Casino Baden-Baden continues to combine tradition and modern entertainment, making it a premier destination for both gaming enthusiasts and travellers seeking a touch of old-world sophistication.
5. Casino Lisboa (Macau) – From Hotel Landmark to Gambling Icon
Before it became one of Macau’s iconic casinos, the Lisboa started as a modest hotel in the 1970s. Gambling was introduced later, transforming it into a centrepiece of Macau’s booming gaming industry. Today, the property is synonymous with Macau’s identity as the “Vegas of the East,” but its beginnings were far simpler.
Expanded over the decades, the venue features a multi-storey gaming complex, hotel accommodations, and a vibrant collection of restaurants and entertainment, including live cabaret shows like Crazy Paris. Casino Lisboa isn’t just a place to gamble; it’s cherished as a cultural and historical symbol, where Macau’s deep-rooted gaming tradition truly began.
Final Thoughts
Casinos are built to dazzle, but many of them carry hidden layers of history. From theatres and spas to world fair pavilions, their pasts reveal how architecture and culture adapt over time. Next time you step into a casino, you might wonder, what stood here before the roulette wheels and blackjack tables?
