Roulette & Riviera: A rare 19th-century gambling guide for Monaco

An unrecorded and visually appealing gambling manual for 19th-century Monaco, with two folding colour plates and a winter train schedule to Monte-Carlo.

This rare booklet offers a fascinating glimpse into the glamorous world of late 19th-century European gaming culture. Published in Nice, it serves as a concise manual for two iconic casino games: trente-et-quarante and roulette.

The first half is dedicated to trente-et-quarante, detailing gameplay, odds, and etiquette. The second half explains the rules and procedures of roulette. The maual is accompanied by two folding colour plates illustrating the game layouts, adding both instructional and decorative value.

Of particular interest is the penultimate page, which features the winter train schedule for the Monaco–Monte-Carlo line, underscoring the casino’s role as a destination for Europe’s elite.

The final page includes an advertisement from the publisher, Eugène Degand (1829–1911), best known for his photographic views of Nice and the French Riviera. His shop at 6 Rue Paradis, Nice, offered scenic photographs and various games, emphasizing the blend of leisure, travel, and entertainment.

Unrecorded in institutional collections, this manual is a rare survivor from the golden age of Riviera gaming. A remarkable acquisition for curators of gambling ephemera, 19th-century travel, or Monaco history.