On the shore of Lake Lugano, Campione d'Italia is entirely surrounded by Switzerland. Over a millennia, the territory was donated to the Archbishop of Milan, and it has remained politically connected ever since, although not physically.

Unlike many other European geographical oddities, their complications were not instantly alleviated with the creation of the EU, since their biggest trading happens with Switzerland who remain a non-member. It continues to predominantly use Swiss Francs, Swiss phone networks and electricity, although police and elected officials are Italian.

The early twentieth century saw the building of the casino, and due to the odd administrative anomaly of Campione, this facility has many intriguing stories, particularly those dating from the war periods.