After nine years of pilot operation, Paris's gaming clubs have finally seen the dawn of "official recognition." The French Senate recently passed an amendment aimed at providing these clubs with a permanent and stable legal framework, ending their pilot status since 2017. This resolution is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly for a final vote in the budget bill in 2026.
The nine-year pilot finally concludes, with the 2026 budget bill being key
Since the beginning of 2017, Paris's gaming clubs have been operating under a temporary pilot project, mainly offering card games like poker, but prohibiting roulette and slot machines. This pilot project was originally extended several times, even receiving a three-year extension in 2024. However, with the establishment of the new government, the Senate decided to push for its permanent status to end this "instability" and "uncertainty." You know, this uncertainty even led to the "sudden" closure of several clubs at the beginning of 2025. Now, as long as the 2026 budget bill is finally approved, these clubs will be able to root permanently in Paris.
Ending illegal gambling and creating economic value, a win-win for all parties
Why does the Senate support this so strongly? They have given ample reasons. First, from a public order perspective, these legal and strictly regulated clubs have successfully become an "alternative" to underground illegal casinos. They operate under the strict control of administrative authorities, greatly enhancing the safety and transparency of gambling activities, contributing to the fight against money laundering and fraud.
Secondly, the economic accounts are also clear. These clubs are not just small operations; they generate about 120 million euros in revenue for Paris each year! Of this, about 40 million euros are contributed to the state in taxes, and about 10 million euros to the city of Paris. Additionally, they create hundreds of jobs directly and indirectly, and coexist with existing physical casinos without "causing any competitive distortion."
The regulatory framework continues, high standards are maintained
After transitioning to permanent status, the clubs will continue to adhere to the high regulatory standards of the pilot period. They will still be restricted to operating within the city of Paris and cannot offer electronic games. Under the authoritative regulation of the Ministry of the Interior and the Paris police, these venues must strictly comply with high standards of supervision, integrity, and measures to prevent excessive gambling. The Senate emphasizes that this decision will provide legal protection for operators, support Paris's economic activities, and consolidate Paris's position as a "responsible and regulated gaming benchmark."
Regarding this development, the trade association representing France's physical casino industry, "Casinos de France," also expressed its welcome, stating that it "finally provides a clear legal framework." It seems that the future of Paris gaming clubs is moving towards a more regulated and sustainable direction.
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This article is from "PASA-Global iGaming Leaders," a gambling industry news channel: https://t.me/pasa_news
Gambling original deep channel: https://t.me/gamblingdeep
Free data report: @pasa_research
PASA Matrix: @pasa002_bot
PASA official website: https://www.pasa.news
The nine-year pilot finally concludes, with the 2026 budget bill being key
Since the beginning of 2017, Paris's gaming clubs have been operating under a temporary pilot project, mainly offering card games like poker, but prohibiting roulette and slot machines. This pilot project was originally extended several times, even receiving a three-year extension in 2024. However, with the establishment of the new government, the Senate decided to push for its permanent status to end this "instability" and "uncertainty." You know, this uncertainty even led to the "sudden" closure of several clubs at the beginning of 2025. Now, as long as the 2026 budget bill is finally approved, these clubs will be able to root permanently in Paris.
Ending illegal gambling and creating economic value, a win-win for all parties
Why does the Senate support this so strongly? They have given ample reasons. First, from a public order perspective, these legal and strictly regulated clubs have successfully become an "alternative" to underground illegal casinos. They operate under the strict control of administrative authorities, greatly enhancing the safety and transparency of gambling activities, contributing to the fight against money laundering and fraud.
Secondly, the economic accounts are also clear. These clubs are not just small operations; they generate about 120 million euros in revenue for Paris each year! Of this, about 40 million euros are contributed to the state in taxes, and about 10 million euros to the city of Paris. Additionally, they create hundreds of jobs directly and indirectly, and coexist with existing physical casinos without "causing any competitive distortion."
The regulatory framework continues, high standards are maintained
After transitioning to permanent status, the clubs will continue to adhere to the high regulatory standards of the pilot period. They will still be restricted to operating within the city of Paris and cannot offer electronic games. Under the authoritative regulation of the Ministry of the Interior and the Paris police, these venues must strictly comply with high standards of supervision, integrity, and measures to prevent excessive gambling. The Senate emphasizes that this decision will provide legal protection for operators, support Paris's economic activities, and consolidate Paris's position as a "responsible and regulated gaming benchmark."
Regarding this development, the trade association representing France's physical casino industry, "Casinos de France," also expressed its welcome, stating that it "finally provides a clear legal framework." It seems that the future of Paris gaming clubs is moving towards a more regulated and sustainable direction.
————
This article is from "PASA-Global iGaming Leaders," a gambling industry news channel: https://t.me/pasa_news
Gambling original deep channel: https://t.me/gamblingdeep
Free data report: @pasa_research
PASA Matrix: @pasa002_bot
PASA official website: https://www.pasa.news
