Casinò Lugano (formerly known as Teatro Kursaal) is a casino and theatre designed by Italian architect Achille Sfondrini in the 19th century.

[2] Designed by the Italian architect Achille Sfondrini in the 19th century,[3] Teatro Kursaal was the first games room with a café to open in Lugano.

Upon the establishment of the Lugano Theatre Society in 1885, which consisted of 177 shareholders, discussions were held to modify the building for the intended purpose of theatrical and musical performances, ballroom dance and other shows.

[4] In 1946, the theatre broke its own financial record, accumulating 641,777 Swiss francs (equivalent of €558,558.65 US$811,018.50 or £519,190.25 as of May 2021[update]) after staging operas, plays, concerts and films.

Following the ordinance of the Swiss Federal banking commission changes, fruit machines and boules were brought into the Kursaal.