Key Moments:
- Monaco has established a law that criminalizes unauthorized photography and filming in casinos and hotels
- Articles 308-2, 308-3, and 308-4 of the Penal Code prohibit both capturing and sharing images without consent
- Multilingual warnings are now displayed at major Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer venues
New Legal Framework for Guest Privacy
Monaco has introduced a comprehensive law that makes it a criminal offense to photograph or film individuals inside its casinos and hotels without their consent. This move is targeted at strengthening privacy for guests such as celebrities, royalty, and prominent business figures.
The measures, firmly established under Articles 308-2, 308-3, and 308-4 of Monaco’s Penal Code, strictly prohibit capturing an individual’s image as well as sharing or distributing such content without explicit permission. While the government has signaled violators will be subject to fines and potentially criminal prosecution, specific penalty details remain undisclosed at this time.
Implementation at Leading Hospitality Venues
Major hospitality and gaming properties managed by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) – including Casino de Monte-Carlo, Casino Café de Paris, Sun Casino, and Monaco Bay Resort Casino – have already put up multilingual notices to remind guests of the new rules. Signs state: “Please do not film or photograph hotel and casino guests. Any offender is subject to sanctions.”
From Unwritten Rule to Formal Enforcement
Historically, discretion and privacy have been strongly encouraged but not explicitly mandated in Monaco. With a population of under 40,000, the principality has long offered an environment of confidentiality for its visitors. The recent legislation transitions this cultural expectation into concrete legal requirements, codifying the principle of privacy across all hotel spaces including suites, lobbies, and common areas.
This law is a direct response to the challenges posed by the widespread use of smartphones and the rise of social media, which have rendered informal practices insufficient for protecting guests’ personal privacy.
Monaco in the Global Context of Privacy Legislation
The enactment of these rules comes against a backdrop of international debate regarding photography laws. In April, Poland instituted a similar ban on unauthorized photography at approximately 25,000 sensitive locations through new national defense legislation. Conversely, the United States has taken a different approach by recently easing its filming restrictions in national parks, removing permit requirements for non-commercial handheld video.
| Venue | Operator | Privacy Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Casino de Monte-Carlo | Monte-Carlo SBM | Displayed |
| Casino Café de Paris | Monte-Carlo SBM | Displayed |
| Sun Casino | Monte-Carlo SBM | Displayed |
| Monaco Bay Resort Casino | Monte-Carlo SBM | Displayed |
- Author
Daniel Williams
