Monaco Strengthens Guest Privacy with New Law Banning Photography in Hotels and Casinos

Monaco, the iconic playground of royalty, celebrities, and international elites, is reaffirming its commitment to discretion and prestige. As of August 2025, a new privacy law has come into effect that bans the unauthorised photography and filming of guests in Monaco’s hotels and casinos, a move widely welcomed by high-profile clientele and hospitality leaders alike.

The legislation, passed quietly earlier this summer, was designed in close consultation with key stakeholders across the Principality’s luxury and entertainment sectors, including Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), which manages the world-renowned Monte-Carlo Casino and Hôtel de Paris. Its intent: to safeguard the fundamental right to privacy in a nation that has long positioned itself as a sanctuary for the world’s most recognised—and discreet—individuals.

Luxury Meets Legislation

While Monaco has always maintained a reputation for protecting its guests, the rise of social media, influencer culture, and mobile surveillance has made true privacy harder to preserve. Viral Instagram videos and paparazzi-style content have increasingly threatened the serene exclusivity Monaco is known for.

Now, with fines reportedly reaching up to €5,000 for unauthorised filming or photography, the new regulation puts legal weight behind what has long been an unspoken rule: what happens in Monte-Carlo stays in Monte-Carlo.

“Discretion is one of Monaco’s most valuable currencies,” said a source within SBM, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This law ensures our guests can dine, gamble, or simply relax without fearing they’ll be broadcast to the world.”

Industry-Wide Support

Hotel and casino operators across the Principality are aligning swiftly with the new rules. Staff are being retrained to sensitively enforce the ban, and visible signage is being added in lobbies, elevators, gaming rooms, and common areas to inform visitors.

According to iGaming Today, the regulation doesn’t just apply to professional photographers or content creators—it includes tourists and casual visitors as well. Whether one is capturing a TikTok in the Monte-Carlo Bay or snapping selfies near the roulette wheel, the message is clear: put the phone away.

A Haven for the High-Profile

For decades, Monaco has served as a haven for heads of state, film stars, athletes, and financiers who value security, style, and silence. The new law reaffirms the Principality’s position as one of the last remaining enclaves where the ultra-private can enjoy freedom from public exposure.

It’s also in harmony with Monaco’s broader effort to ensure that its reputation remains both timeless and future-proof. The Principality continues to balance digital innovation with the traditional elegance that draws its core clientele—a unique combination that makes it one of the most desirable addresses in the world.

Respect, Not Restriction

While some may view the ban as strict, most residents and industry professionals see it as necessary. A viral video, originally posted on Instagram earlier this summer, showed casino guests being filmed unknowingly—a moment many called “unbecoming of Monaco’s standards.”

Now, with the law officially in place, the message is unmistakable: respect for privacy is no longer a favour, but a legal obligation.