Switzerland heads up the list of European countries with most casinos (Based on the number of inhabitants). Besides, the structure was reworked some years ago a completely new casino was built. Baden belongs to the new locations with an A licence (they can call themselves Grand Casino) which may also offer games like poker and Blackjack. Like in all Swiss casinos there exists an identification card obligation. Even if there is no special collar and tie compulsory and jacket constraint, a cultivated exterior is demanded. The entry amount is ten Swiss francs (SFR/approx. $1.05). Certainly, Switzerland still resists firmly against the Euro in the casino it becomes naturally accepted (even with a relatively bad exchange rate).

The atmosphere and interior is very modern but keeping a touch of classic style with lots of beige to brown, crystal chandeliers and a standard illumination. There are three separate game halls from which one is reserved exclusively for poker. Besides six poker tables with mixing machines you can also find a bar, seats and a big flat screen for the announcements and data and an own cashier. In the hall the smoking is allowed, however, visitors are not allowed to smoke while playing on the tables. The Limit games are very extensive, but it is more for the bigger money-bag. The usual Limit lies at SFR30/60 or SFR40/80 with a minimum Buy-in of SFR300 or SFR500. However, during separate days the Limit reduced to SFR5/10 or SFR10/20.

The No-Limit area begins with SFR5/5-Blinds with a minimum stake of SFR200 and a maximum of SFR1.000. A little bit strange is the manner how the Rake is drawn. This is taken at the end of the hand from the pot and then not sunk as usual, but putting in the tray by the dealer. Tournaments are offer every Monday till Thursday with a Buy in from SFR70 to SFR300. On Mondays a Lady's competition takes place with a Buy-in of SFR110. All the tournaments are Texas No Limit Hold’em freez out except on Wednesday, this is a 1 time Rebuy with a SFR300 Buy-in. The casino demands no fee for the poker tournaments, so the complete Buy-in floats into the prize pool! The Blinds start at 20/40 with a level change every 15 or 20 minutes depends which day you playing. Maximum of entrants are always 88 and starting time is at 19.30 CET (Central European Time).

Over the weekend you have the possibility to qualify for the Grand Casino Baden Open 2008 which is going to be held from the 12^th-14^th of December 2008. Satellites are starting for only SFR50-800 at 20.00 CET. Modus is One-Table-Satellites or One-Hand-Satellites. Baden proudly calls itself the center of Poker in Switzerland and you cannot disagree with these words. Poker is the main attraction of the casino, Roulette (from SFR2) and Blackjack (from SFR10) seem to play a rather supporting part.

The tournaments are full for at least two months in advance and the Cash game tables fill up quickly as long as seats are available. So, if you are visiting Zurich someday, it is a must to stop by at the Grand Casino and play your game.