For over a century, casinos have been banned in the capital city of Paris, but since 2018, gaming clubs have been experimented with, opening the possibility of future regulatory evolution.
Casinos have been banned within a 100 km radius of Paris since 1920, a social measure aimed at protecting Parisian workers from the risks associated with gambling. Since the closure of the last gaming clubs in 2017, gaming clubs have been authorized by the Ministry of the Interior, offering table games, but excluding roulette and slot machines.
A potential regulatory evolution could allow for the introduction of new games, such as roulette, diversifying the offerings of the clubs and attracting a wider audience. Despite economic constraints, the Parisian gaming club sector has experienced significant growth, with over 700,000 visitors in 2023 and an increase in gross gaming revenue.
The introduction of roulette is being considered, but slot machines remain excluded, requiring a change in the law and a political will that does not seem to be currently present.
Photo credit: kaabuu
