Overview
St. Julian’s is Malta’s casino and nightlife hub—home to the island’s “big three”: Portomaso Casino, Dragonara Casino, and Casino Malta. Malta is also the HQ base for many online‑gaming companies (MGA licensing), so live rooms often attract visiting pros and festival fields. Between sessions, you’re steps from beaches, Paceville clubs, and Valletta’s UNESCO old town is a short bus ride away.
Best Time to Visit
Legality & Rules
- Age & ID: 18+ to enter casinos in Malta; bring a passport or government ID.
- Smoking: Indoor smoking is banned; use outdoor terraces or designated areas.
- Currency: Euro (€); cards/contactless widely accepted.
- Responsible play: The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) offers player‑protection resources and oversight.
- April–June & September–October: Best weather and value; warm seas without peak crowds.
- July–August: Hottest and busiest (club season in Paceville); book early for seaside hotels.
- November–March: Mild Mediterranean winter and quieter tables; occasional windy/rainy spells.
Top Casinos
Casino Spotlights
Portomaso Casino
Stylish room near the marina; renowned for international poker festivals and mixed‑game action.
Dragonara Casino
Historic palace ambience with sea views; classic table mix and slots.
Casino Malta
Largest floor on the island inside InterContinental; hosts the Battle of Malta and regular events.
- Portomaso Casino — Beside Hilton Malta/Portomaso Tower; frequent poker festivals (e.g., Unibet Open, past EPT stops).
- Dragonara Casino — Elegant 19th‑century palace on a peninsula; scenic setting and classic tables.
- Casino Malta — Inside the InterContinental; Malta’s largest casino with a busy poker calendar (Battle of Malta host).
Budget & Minimums
Malta is mid‑range by European standards. Weeknights bring friendlier mins; weekends and festival weeks climb.
- Roulette & Blackjack: Common table mins around €5–€10 on quieter nights.
- Poker: Cash games often start at €1/€2 NLHE and €2/€5 PLO; festival schedules add deeper buy‑ins.
- Slots: Multi‑denomination machines including €0.01+ and high‑limit corners.
Always check the felt and placards—mins and rules change by time and event.
Tips
Hotels
Local Attractions
- Paceville: Bars and clubs for post‑session nights out.
- Valletta: UNESCO capital with fortifications and St. John’s Co‑Cathedral (20–25 min by bus).
- Mdina & Rabat: Beautiful walled city and historic lanes.
- Comino’s Blue Lagoon: Day trip for crystal‑clear water.
- Golden Bay & Mellieħa: Sandier beaches on the north/west coasts.
- Hilton Malta (Portomaso): Steps to Portomaso Casino & marina views.
- InterContinental Malta: Houses Casino Malta; direct access to Paceville nightlife.
- Westin Dragonara: Overlooks the Dragonara peninsula; short walk to Dragonara Casino.
- Budget: St. Julian’s guesthouses and hostels in Paceville/Balluta Bay.
- Getting around: Buses and rideshare cover St. Julian’s ⇄ Valletta; the seafront promenade is walkable between casinos.
- Dress: Smart casual is the norm; avoid beachwear/flip‑flops on the floor.
- Festival weeks: Book rooms early near Portomaso/InterContinental; tables get busier and mins rise.
- Beach breaks: Pack for sun and sea; casinos are minutes from St. George’s Bay.