The future of Paris’s gaming clubs is hanging in the balance as political upheaval in France threatens to shutter all seven establishments by January 1, 2025. These clubs, which include the Barrière Club, Paris Élysées Club, and Club Montmartre, were launched in 2018 as part of an experimental initiative to bring regulated gaming venues back to the capital. Unlike traditional casinos, these clubs were permitted to operate table games but prohibited from offering slot machines.

The experiment was originally set to conclude in 2020 but received two extensions, allowing operations to continue until the end of 2024. A proposed finance bill, which included provisions to extend the initiative through 2025 and eventually make the gaming clubs permanent by 2026, was rejected by the French National Assembly. This legislative failure, compounded by the resignation of Prime Minister Michel Barnier, has left the clubs without legal authorization to continue operations beyond the experimental phase, according to Sortir A Paris.

Political Deadlock Sparks Economic Concerns

With the dissolution of the National Assembly and no approved draft budget for 2025, the gaming clubs face imminent closure. The Ministry of the Interior, which oversees these establishments, reportedly informed operators of the impending shutdown earlier this month. The decision places approximately 1,500 jobs at risk, with operators expressing grave concerns about the economic fallout.

Grégory Rabuel, CEO of Groupe Barrière, voiced his frustration, stating: “We support all club operators on the eve of this disaster and we want to believe that it can still be avoided. Exceptional circumstances call for measures that must be taken as a matter of urgency. We call on the public authorities to help us.” Rabuel, along with other stakeholders, has urged the incoming government to prioritize a resolution, including short-term measures such as temporary work programs for affected employees.

Fallout for Players and Events

The uncertainty surrounding the clubs’ licensing framework has already had ripple effects on the gaming community. PokerStars recently announced the cancellation of its European Poker Tour Paris event, originally scheduled for February 2025 at the Club Barrière. The company cited the “current uncertainty surrounding licensing requirements” as the reason for the cancellation, while expressing optimism for future collaboration with French authorities.

The closure of the clubs marks a sharp turn in what had been considered a successful experiment. Both operators and the Ministry of the Interior agree on the positive outcomes of the initiative, citing its success in revitalizing the gaming sector in Paris while maintaining regulatory oversight. However, without a legal framework, the clubs will be forced to close, leaving operators, employees, and players in a precarious position.

A Century-Old Debate Continues

The debate over gaming establishments in Paris is not new. A law passed in 1919 prohibited casinos within 100 kilometers of the capital, citing concerns about gambling addiction and ties to organized crime. Over time, restrictions eased slightly, leading to the introduction of gaming circles, which were later banned in 2017 due to allegations of money laundering and corruption.

The 2018 experiment was seen as a modern approach to reintroducing gaming in a controlled environment, yet the current political crisis threatens to undo these efforts. As the year comes to a close, the fate of Paris’s gaming clubs rests in the hands of a yet-to-be-formed government. Stakeholders remain hopeful for swift action, but for now, the clock is ticking on an industry that has just begun to find its footing.