After enduring a two-month hiatus, Parisian gaming clubs are poised to resume operations from March 1, buoyed by the extension of their trial period until the end of 2027. This development follows the recent adoption of the 2025 finance law in early February, signaling a robust future for these establishments.

On February 25, the Council of State green-lit the reopening of the city’s seven gaming clubs, initially shuttered on January 1 due to legislative gaps. This authorization is crucial for the clubs, which had previously flagged a potential closure by the end of 2024 as an unintended consequence of the budgetary censoring by Michel Barnier‘s government. Since their initial pilot in 2018, these clubs have been integral to the local gaming landscape, historically barred within a 100 km radius of Paris, except for the Enghien-les-Bains.

State-Sanctioned Reopening and Financial Impacts

The formal reopening procedures are slated for completion shortly, with necessary endorsements to be signed by the consultative commission of gaming establishments by the end of the week. “The validation from the Council of State is a significant relief for our customers and the 200 staff members we employ,” expressed Clément Martin Saint-Léon, the Barrière group’s director of gaming operations, quoted by Libération. Fabrice Paire, chairman of the Partouche group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the expedited reopening process enabled by prior consultations with the committee.

The closure notably impacted approximately 1,500 employees, placing them on short-time work and leading to a financial strain due to uncollected state contributions amounting to four million euros. Additionally, the interruption in operations fueled illegal gaming activities, further destabilizing public order. With the recent legislative approvals, industry advocates are hopeful for the clubs’ transition to permanent fixtures. The Interior Minister has reportedly shown support for this move, spurred by favorable outcomes from the ongoing experiment.

Gaming clubs in Paris primarily offer table games like poker, blackjack, and bingo, while activities such as roulette and slot machines remain prohibited. These restrictions reflect the unique regulatory environment of Parisian gaming, which contrasts sharply with the broader casino operations elsewhere.

Future Prospects and Regulatory Hopes for Parisian Gaming Clubs

The extension until 2027 was somewhat unexpected, as stakeholders had anticipated a more definitive legislative endorsement following positive evaluations of the clubs’ performance. “Although the extension is welcome, it is not the definitive solution we hoped for, which leaves the industry in a state of liminality,” stated Grégory Rabuel, President of Casinos de France. He further advocated for regulatory adjustments to include roulette, a move he believes would curb underground activities and bolster the clubs’ economic viability.

This reopening not only reinstates a key entertainment sector within Paris but also marks a crucial step towards regulatory stability for gaming clubs. As these establishments gear up to welcome patrons, the focus remains on securing a sustainable operational framework that aligns with both economic and regulatory expectations.