Euro-Ital-Swiss Poker Party Hub
The Main Event of PokerStars Open Tournament in Campione draws a larger participant count than the town's total population.
Tucked away on the serene shores of Lake Lugano lies the quaint and cultured Italian enclave of Campione, nestled amongst the Swiss Canton of Ticino. Its cobblestone streets meander up, down, and around the Lombardish hill, adorned with ancient frescoes and sculptures that ooze artfulness and whimsy.
This charming town boasts a charming array of café's, bars, and eateries. There's even a pizzeria dishing out sushi—you'll find as much fondue and raclette on menus as bruschetta and pasta. The currency is Swiss francs, the cars bear Swiss license plates, and the local football club, AP Campionese, competes in the Swiss 4th division. The 2,300 residents of Campione lead everyday lives, blending the Swiss politeness and order with the Italian gusto and enthusiasm.
A Gambler's Playground: Casino di Campione
Campione has some unique perks due to its distinctive status, and the residents enjoy exemption from municipal charges and reduced Value Added Tax thanks to the revenue generated by the Casino di Campione. This gambling haven, nestled atop the hill, caters to Swiss and Italian gamblers seeking to scratch that itch, adding more to the town's charming allure.
Bankruptcy Blues
Founded in 1917, Casino di Campione experienced prosperous times but also faced its fair share of adversity. In 2007, on the brink of the worldwide financial collapse, the city splurged $160m on a ten-story casino complex designed by renowned Swiss architect, Mario Botta. This grand investment coincided with the rise of online gambling, contributing to a series of difficult years.
In 2018, the casino declared bankruptcy, leaving residents questioning the city's failure to diversify and its over-reliance on gambling revenue. Michelin-starred chef, Bernard Fournier, expressed disappointment, remarking, "If you eat too much caviar, you will get sick."
The bankruptcy had far-reaching consequences for Campione's economy, resulting in job losses for 490 employees and temporary store closures. City services were slashed, and some pensioners were forced to rely on food banks for groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit Northern Italy particularly hard.
Rise from the Ashes
The road to recovery for both the town and the casino has been slow but steady. Casino di Campione reopened on January 26, 2022, and in its first year back, it surpassed targets, welcoming 220,000 players. The following year was a boom year, with the sealing of a deal between Flutter Entertainment's Sisal and PokerStars brands to establish a permanent poker room.
Chairman of Casino di Campione, Mario Venditti, hailed the partnership, stating, "This is a further step forward in the development of the company’s activity, which will undoubtedly increase its visibility." Cedric Billot, Director of Live Event Operations at PokerStars, shared the same sentiment, expressing his excitement:
"We look forward to kicking off the partnership with Campione and offering the best poker experience to our passionate Italian audience," he said.
Fast-forward to March 2025, and the partnership has paid off. The inaugural PokerStars Open Campione attracted over 2,000 players, surpassing the population of the town itself. The champion of the main event will be crowned on Sunday night, but the real story lies in the resilience of the community that has weathered hard times and now hosts this annual poker extravaganza.
- The casino in Campione, Casino di Campione, is a popular destination for Swiss and Italian gamblers, offering a variety of casino games and contributing to the town's unique charm.
- Despite its prosperous past, Casino di Campione faced bankruptcy in 2018 due to a series of difficult years, a rise in online gambling, and a large investment in a new casino complex.
- The bankruptcy had significant economic consequences for Campione, resulting in job losses, temporary store closures, slashed city services, and some pensioners relying on food banks for groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Despite these challenges, Casino di Campione has since made a comeback, reopening in 2022 and surpassing targets with over 220,000 players in its first year back.
- In 2023, a partnership was established between Casino di Campione and PokerStars brands, leading to the opening of a permanent poker room and a boost in the casino's visibility.
- Fast-forward to 2025, the PokerStars Open Campione attracted over 2,000 players, highlighting the resilience of the Campione community that has weathered hard times and now hosts this annual poker extravaganza, showcasing the town's blend of sports, sports-betting, and casino-culture.
