Paris shuts down all gaming clubs
Starting January 1, 2025, all gambling clubs in Paris have been closed as a result of political uncertainty after the government’s collapse on December 5.Parisian gaming...
Paris to lose gaming clubs at the start of 2025
According to reports, Paris’s gaming clubs could face closure on January 1, 2025, following the rejection of a key finance bill proposed by Michel Barnier.
This unexpected news comes from political turmoil after the bill, which aimed to extend the authorization for these clubs, was rejected, leading to Barnier’s resignation.
In compliance with the 1919 law that banned gambling within a 100-kilometer radius of the city, Paris has not had casinos for more than a decade. The reason was that low-income workers did significantly record losses, and gambling establishments were included in criminal activities.
Later, a new law allowed the presence of gambling circles, which later transformed into gambling clubs. Then, as a result of money laundering and corruption scandals, gambling activities were again banned in 2017.
Currently, there are seven gambling clubs operating in Paris, offering only table games but not slot machines. Authorized by President Macron, these clubs’ operations were initially set to end in 2020. However, the presence time got extended multiple times with the plan to permanently close in 2026. However, with the bill’s rejection, these clubs are now facing a forced closure.
Grégory Rabuel, General Manager of the Barrière Group, expressed his shock:
“We are asking the future government to find a solution as quickly as possible.”
Several clubs have asked for short-time working provisions for employees affected by the closure.
FAQs
Is gambling legal in France?
Gambling in France is legal but is strictly regulated by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ).
What is the legal gambling age in France?
The legal gambling age in France is 18 years old.
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