Monaco bans unauthorized photography in casinos, hotels to protect guest privacy

Monaco has enacted a new law criminalizing unauthorized photography and filming inside its casinos and hotels, aiming to bolster privacy protections for high-profile visitors, including celebrities, royalty, and business leaders.

The updated legislation, now enforceable under Articles 308-2, 308-3, and 308-4 of the Penal Code, prohibits the capture and distribution of images taken without the subject’s consent. Article 308-2 bans photographing or filming individuals without permission, while Articles 308-3 and 308-4 prohibit sharing such content.

Violators face fines and potential criminal charges, although the government has not yet disclosed specific penalties.

Multilingual signs have already been installed at venues operated by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), including the Casino de Monte-Carlo, Casino Café de Paris, Sun Casino, and Monaco Bay Resort Casino. The notices read: “Please do not film or photograph hotel and casino guests. Any offender is subject to sanctions.”

The legislation formalizes what has long been an informal expectation in Monaco - discretion. The principality, with a population under 40,000, has cultivated a reputation for privacy, offering what some reports describe as the freedom to enjoy it unseen.

The rules apply throughout hotels, including suites, lobbies, and common areas, with what was once an unspoken expectation now being written into law. The move marks a shift from informal etiquette to formal enforcement, aligning with Monaco’s ongoing efforts to prioritize discretion and guest privacy.

The changes also respond to a global increase in smartphone use and social media sharing, which lawmakers say have made traditional norms of conduct insufficient to protect personal privacy.

The move comes amid broader international debate on photography restrictions. In April, Poland banned unauthorized photography of around 25,000 sensitive sites under new national defense laws. Meanwhile, the U.S. recently relaxed filming rules in national parks, eliminating the need for permits for non-commercial handheld recording.