Dragonara Casino
Dragonara Casino is Malta’s original casino and still its most famous. It opened on 15 July 1964 inside the Dragonara Palace, a neoclassical summer residence on the rocky point of St Julian’s, and today it welcomes around 350,000 visitors a year.
- Location
- Dragonara Point, St Julian’s
- Opened
- 15 July 1964
- Operator
- Dragonara Gaming Ltd
- Gaming Floor
- 300+ slot machines and live table games
- Opening Hours
- Open 24 hours a day
- Entry Age
- 18 for visitors, 25 for Maltese citizens
- Regulator
- Malta Gaming Authority
On This Page11 sections
A Palace With a Story
The Dragonara Palace was built in 1870 as a summer residence for the Scicluna family, whose head, the banker Emmanuele Scicluna, was made a marquis a few years later. The name comes from an old local legend of a dragon living in the caves below the point, although the roaring was most likely the sea.
The building served as an officers’ hospital during the First World War and sheltered more than 100 refugees during the Second. It is now listed on Malta’s National Inventory of Cultural Property, which makes Dragonara one of the few casinos in Europe set inside a protected historic landmark.
From State Casino to Modern Resort
The casino was privatised in 1999. Dragonara Gaming Ltd took over in 2010 after winning an international tender and has since invested more than 15 million EUR in renovations. In 2021 the company signed a new 10-year concession with the Maltese government, which runs from 1 August 2021 and includes a commitment to invest a further 10 million EUR in technology and equipment.
What You Can Play
- More than 300 slot machines, from classic reels to modern video slots.
- Live tables with roulette, blackjack and Texas Hold’em.
- Poker tournaments and cash games throughout the year.
Tips for Your Visit
- Bring your passport or ID card, as every guest is registered at the door.
- Arrive before sunset to enjoy the terrace views over the bay.
- The Westin Dragonara Resort stands right next door, built on part of the palace gardens, so the casino is an easy walk for hotel guests.
- Check opening hours and any events directly with the casino before you go.
Getting There
Dragonara sits at the tip of the point between St George’s Bay and Spinola Bay, at the end of Dragonara Road. From Paceville it is a five minute walk, and most St Julian’s hotels are within 15 minutes on foot.
Buses from Valletta and Sliema stop in St Julian’s and Paceville, and Bolt or eCabs can drop you right at the entrance. Parking around Paceville is tight at night, so the easiest option is usually a taxi or a short walk from your hotel.
Inside the Casino
The gaming floor fills the ground floor of the palace, with slot machines in the main halls and live tables in the grand rooms. A VIP lounge offers higher limits for regular players, while the poker room hosts cash games and regular tournaments throughout the year.
| Area | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Slots | 300+ machines, from classic reels to modern video slots and jackpots |
| Table games | Roulette, blackjack, punto banco, Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em |
| Poker room | Texas Hold’em cash games and tournaments |
| VIP lounge | Private gaming with higher table limits |
| Sports betting | A sportsbook area for football and racing |
| Dining | A brasserie with a terrace over the sea |
The brasserie and terrace are a big part of the appeal. Many visitors come for dinner by the water first and only then try their luck at the tables.
Is Dragonara Casino Right for You?
- Best for first time visitors who want history and atmosphere.
- Great for a dinner and casino evening with sea views.
- A solid poker room, although Portomaso and Casino Malta host the bigger festivals.
- Less suited to players who want the widest choice of tables, which is Casino Malta.
If you only visit one casino during a trip to Malta, Dragonara is the one most people choose, because the setting is unlike any other casino on the island.
Around Dragonara Casino
The Westin Dragonara Resort stands right next door, built on part of the old palace gardens, and the St George’s Bay beach is a few minutes away on foot. Spinola Bay, with its fishing boats and waterfront restaurants, is just as close in the other direction.
That makes Dragonara easy to fit into a relaxed day in St Julian’s: a swim in the afternoon, dinner by the bay and a few hands at the tables to finish. If you are staying in Sliema, a taxi or a walk along the seafront takes around half an hour.
Prefer to Play From Home?
Dragonara is a great night out, but it is not the only way to play. MGA licensed online casinos offer thousands of slots and live dealer tables, with welcome packages that no land-based casino can match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dragonara Casino Open 24 Hours?
Dragonara has long advertised round the clock opening. Poker and some tables start later in the day, so check with the casino if you plan to play a specific game.
What Do I Need to Enter Dragonara Casino?
A valid passport or ID card. Visitors must be 18 or older and Maltese citizens 25 or older. Entry is free.
Is There a Dress Code at Dragonara Casino?
Smart casual is expected, especially in the evening. Beachwear, sportswear and flip flops are best left at the hotel.
How Old Is Dragonara Casino?
The casino opened on 15 July 1964, which makes it the oldest casino in Malta.
Can I Eat at Dragonara Casino?
Yes. The casino brasserie serves lunch and dinner, with a terrace that looks out over the sea.
Other Casinos in Malta
Want to compare? Read about Casino Malta, Portomaso Casino and Oracle Casino, or go back to our guide to all land-based casinos in Malta.