Casino In France
France has casinos for every gambler. If you are looking for luxurious casinos with top of the line gambling experiences, then you will want to stroll into such places as the Lyon Vert Casino, which is located at Lyon or Palais de la Mediterranee Casino, which is located at Nice. The epic casino offers 500 gaming machines and 43 table games on a 64,000 square feet footage land. With more than 176 Video Poker machines, 334 slot machines, and 14 table games, Casino Le Lyon Vert is the second largest casino in France. Types of Casinos in France. It is safe to say France offers more than just casinos.
Before 1987, only those above the age of 21 could engage in gambling activities in France. This was lowered to 18 allowing many more French citizens to engage in this popular pastime. The gambling industry in this country is regulated by two bodies controlled by the national government. They are the FDJ (Francaise des Jeux) and PMU (Pari Mutuel Urbain).
They subdivide the different gambling products permitted in the country. FDJ is in charge of all sports betting and lotteries while PMU oversees horse racing. Recently online gambling became legal in France but is overseen by a third regulator ARJEL. Similar to gambling in the UK, this is not a new industry in France as the earliest accounts are from 1500.
In France, you can enjoy both land-based and online gambling. Online gambling was restricted for some time until recently. One must adhere to the set of rules and regulations. It’s hard being a licensed operator in France due to heavy taxation by the national government. Restrictions are another hurdle that local companies should contend with. Many operators are opting to exit the French market rather than keep working while making losses.
Sport betting, especially on soccer, is one of the most popular gambling activities in the country. There are also lotteries, casinos both land-based and online, bingo, and poker among other forms of gambling.
Read also: Gambling Legislation in the EU.
Facts and Figures on Gambling in France
- Paris has 8 grand land-based casinos with the oldest, Aviation Club de France, opening its doors in 1907
- 2019 saw 174 million people engage in gambling activities. Of this total, 632000 engaged in Sport betting, 146000 in horse race betting, and 269500 in poker across France
- The Gross Game Revenue for 2019 from sport betting was EUR 880 million, horse race betting EUR 271 million, and from poker EUR 272 million.
Licenses and License Restrictions in France
Gambling in France is not under one regulator. Different gambling products fall under various regulators. To get a license, an operator needs to pinpoint the right regulator for the product they intend to offer.
ARJEL is in charge of issuing all licenses involving online gambling in France. Both the FDJ and Ministry of Interior are in charge of lottery licenses in the country. Finally, land-based casinos get their licenses issued by the Ministry of Interior.
When it comes to applying for a land-based casino license, certain requirements must be met. A written agreement must be produced between an operator and the city/town where it will be located. An authorization from the Ministry of Interior is required and this comes after consulting with the CCCG (Consultative Commission on Circle and Casino Games). The license obtained is global and all the staff working under the operator should be licensed as well.
Lotteries need approval from the PMU or FDJ. It all boils down to which gambling product the operator intends to provide. After getting approval from the SCCJ, they can start operations. ARJEL is the stop for all online gambling activities in France. It’s quite extensive to obtain this license and needs plenty of information provided to this regulator. The legal structure, shareholders, management, and liabilities of the company must be produced by the company seeking a license.
Only those operators that are based in the EEA are permitted to apply for the online gambling license in France. The measure is taken to further safeguard the interest of French gamblers. After any of these licenses are issued, each operator needs to adhere to the rules and regulations of gambling in France. All operations must transparent and meet the standards set by the respective regulators and Ministry of Interior.
Read also: Overview of Online Gambling Licensing and Regulation in Austria.
Online Gambling in France
The EU has been instrumental in changes around gambling, especially online gambling in France. It urged it to change its restrictive rules and regulations to permit more operators to offer online products as well. Changes took place back in 2010 with the passing of the Gaming Act (2010-476). It’s at this time that ARJEL was created as an independent regulator of online gambling in France.
The main responsibilities of this regulator are the issuance of licenses and to oversee online gambling in the country. With the new Act, most of the government monopoly on the industry came to an end. Many players and operators were relieved of this change. Only operators located within the EEA are permitted to operate within France providing online gambling products.
So far ARJEL has issued over 30 licenses to international operators creating a competitive gambling market in France. There is still restriction around certain casino games like roulette and slots that are too addictive. Many French legislatures believe permitting them online could lead to more instances of problem gamblers. Many gaming sites are not permitted to offer these traditional casino games to their clients online.
This has created a chance for unlicensed gambling sites to be the favorite of many people seeking traditional casino games. Online gambling in France includes both casino and sport betting that many people prefer and flock to stake or bet on. With the changes in the industry brought forth by the Gaming Act, the national government increased taxes levied on locally licensed operators.
Sport betting and poker are the hardest hit with high taxes. Poker pays 2% and sport betting 8.5% which has made it tough for many operators to stay in business for long. Players have protested this high taxation that results in high rake in poker and no wins in sport betting. Recently some online operators have opted to exit the French gambling market as a result of these high taxes levied.
There is a restriction by the national government that makes it illegal for local operators to share pools for players internationally. Local operators are only confined to players in France and not permitted to accept registration from those outside, even within the EU. Many French players are excluded from international tournaments and matches.
Any operator found to operate within France without a proper license is subjected to criminal proceedings as per the law. It’s illegal for French citizens to engage in illegal gambling using said unlicensed companies. Many online operators opt to exit the market because it’s become harder to go around French laws and permit international players.
Only those above 18 years are permitted to engage in gambling activities as gambling is not permitted to minors. Every operator must display a warning sign to this effect on their online gambling websites. This is in a bid to discourage minors from engaging in gambling activities. Every player must prove their identification and age while registering on a platform.
Problem gambling is still prevalent in France and the national government has put in measure to combat this. ARJEL has made it possible for players to learn how to close their accounts in case they want to stop gambling.
Read also: Online Casino Regulation in the United Kingdom.
Casino In French
Conclusion
Monte Carlo Casino In France
Changes proposed by the EU about gambling have forced France to change some of its rules and regulations. For one, players can now engage freely on online gambling. More needs to be done to open up the industry even though the national government is reluctant. There are still casino games restricted from being made available online like roulette. They can be quite addictive leading to cases of problem gambling. So far many local operators have opted in and out of the local market due to high taxation.
Read also: Gambling Regulation and Licensing in the Netherlands: Facts & Figures.
France is a treat for gambling enthusiasts as it has 200 land-based Casinos offering the traditional as well as modern games to enjoy. So, we bring you some of the best casinos in France where you must try your luck. Groupe Lucien Barrière dominates the casino scene in France with more than 30 casinos dotting the French coast and major cities. This list of some of the top French casinos includes a few properties by Groupe Barrière as well as other popular casinos. So, check the details and decide where you want to head next!
1. Casino Barriere Le Croisette, Cannes
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With more than 32,000 square feet of space, Casino Barriere Le Croisette in Cannes is one of the largest casinos in France.
It has 245 slot machines that are regularly renewed and are perfect to hit the jackpot on video rolls. Place your bet while playing Video Poker and Electronic English Roulette or challenge other players at different table games. Casino Barriere Le Croisette will let you play the games of your choice at your own pace.
Keep in mind that even though the casino is open every day from 10 am, the table games start only after 8 pm.
2. Casino Barriere de Deauville, Deauville City
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Casino de Deauville, with its luxurious property, has become one of the top casinos in France over the years.
Casino Barriere de Deauville houses 300 slot machines combining the classic, multi-screen as well as multi-bet. Other than that, it also has English, French and electronic English roulette along with La Boule, Ultimate Poker, Texas Hold'em Poker, Black Jack, and Electronic Black Jack. Try your luck and slowly raise the stakes as you can play here all night long.
You will find 3 restaurants, 2 bars, a theater, and a night club on the premises of Casino Barriere de Deauville, ready to entertain you when you are done playing.
3. Casino JOA de Montrond, Montrond-les-Bains
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Casino JOA de Montrond is the perfect recreational facility with something for kids and adults alike.
This casino is known for offering over 200 gaming machines where you can try your luck. Its 9 live table games include roulette, blackjack, poker, and boule. You will also love electronic games like electronic roulette and electronic blackjack. The best part is if you want, you can take the game outside and enjoy playing on the patio.
With a restaurant, sports bar, bowling, spa, and dancefloor on the premises, it is among the few family-friendly casinos in France.
4. Casino Barrière Enghien-les-Bains
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Best Casinos In France
Casino Barrière Enghien-les-Bains is one of the best French casinos and also the only one in the Ile de France region.
As you enter the casino, you will find more than 450 slots welcoming you to the play. It has 40 action-packed table games where everything from English and French Roulette, Texas Hold'em Poker, Stud Poker to Black Jack, Chemin de Fer, and Punto Banco can be enjoyed. There are luxury table games and VIP lounges, ready to cater to the best of players.
It is located on the edge of Enghien lake. So, you can enjoy the combination of exciting games and soothing views when here.
5. Partouche Casino Les Flots Bleus
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Partouche Casino Les Flots Bleus is the place to be if you are interested in gambling in France.
This modest-sized casino has a combination of 200+ slot machines, table games, electronic and digital games. With 90 positions for electronic games, it attracts amateurs as well as experienced players. Partouche Casino Les Flots Bleus has separate areas for smokers and non-smokers, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all.
6. Casino Barriere Trouville, Trouville-sur-Mer
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Casino Barriere Trouville is the place where game tables and slot machines make sure you have a great time.
Starting as low as 1 cent, you can pick from mechanical rolls, video or 3D slots. State-of-the-art table games and a game of Ultimate Poker are also loved by visitors. Casino Barriere Trouville has different options to choose from, making it one of the best French casinos you will visit. All you have to do is bring your luck with you and the winnings are all yours!
7. Casino JOA de Santenay, Santenay
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Casino JOA de Santenay may look like a typical small-town French house, but open the doors and you will be amazed by the bustling vibes here.
Enjoy its 140+ slot machines or choose from black-jack, English roulette, and Texas hold'em poker. Even though it has only 5 live game tables, the casino makes up for a small number through an exciting experience it has to offer. Keep in mind that the dress code for Casino JOA de Santenay is casual.
8. Casino Le Lyon Vert, Tour-de-Salvagny
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Casino Le Lyon Vert is located in Domaine Le Lyon Vert and boasts to be one of the largest casinos in France.
Casino’s art deco style building where good food and great entertainment comes together is a must-visit during your France vacation. All the traditions like Blackjack, Boule, Battle, and French Roulette can be found here. Its 300 slot machines have video slots as well. Do not miss a chance to experience 48 electronic English roulette stations and 7 electronic blackjack stations here.
9. Casino d'Evian, Évian-les-Bains
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Casino d'Evian in Évian-les-Bains is the place where good food meets the action-packed casino floor.
This casino has 18,220 square feet of space that is devoted to gaming tables and slot machines. You can pick from 250 slot machines or enter a room where games like Black Jack and Stud Poker are played exclusively. Four bars and restaurants located here are also loved by visitors. And when you are done playing, spend some time soaking in the stunning views of Lake Geneva it has to offer.
10. Casino Cabourg, Cabourg
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Casino Cabourg is a historic place that was opened in the 1850s and has been a center for entertainment ever since.
Be it 75 slot machines or 15 positions for electronic games, the lively floor space of Casino Cabourg always has something for you. Enjoy playing Blackjack, Texas Hold'em Poker, and English Roulette to make the most of your time. And when a casino has a sheltered and heated 400 square meters of a patio on the seafront, what else you need, right?
So, out of these best casinos in France, which ones are you planning to visit?
*Some images are for representational purposes only.