On 24 November, the French Senate approved a legal amendment that could grant gaming clubs in Paris a permanent status. This decision marks the end of an experimental programme that began back in February 2017, allowing these clubs to operate temporarily for nearly nine years.
Since their inception, the gaming clubs in Paris have offered poker and a variety of other card games. However, the law has strictly prohibited them from offering roulette and slot machines. This initiative was originally introduced as a test to evaluate the impact of such establishments within the city.
The pilot programme was initially set to conclude at the end of last year but received several extensions. The most recent extension took place in 2024 under the Bayrou government, which allowed the clubs to continue operating for an additional three years. However, with the formation of the new government in September, led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, it was determined that the pilot would ultimately end, and gaming clubs would transition to a permanent fixture, pending final budget approval.
The Senate emphasized that the amendment would eliminate the “instability” caused by the pilot programme, which had led to “uncertainty” for club operators. This uncertainty had resulted in the abrupt closure of several clubs early in 2025. Now, it is up to the National Assembly to approve the amendment as part of the upcoming 2026 budget bill.
“This measure will provide a clear and lasting framework for a model that has fully proven its worth from both a public order and economic regulation standpoint,” stated the Senate. The programme has been credited with offering a regulated and legal alternative to illegal gambling operations, ensuring transparency and integrity in financial transactions.
The Senate further highlighted the safety improvements brought about by the gaming club initiative, noting that it has made gambling safer in Paris by operating under strict administrative control, contributing to the fight against money laundering and fraud.
Economically, gaming clubs have been a boon for Paris, generating around €120 million ($140 million) in annual revenue. Of this, €40 million has been directed to the state, with an additional €10 million benefiting the city of Paris. The clubs have also created and sustained several hundred direct and indirect jobs, all while coexisting with land-based casinos without causing competitive disruptions.
The regulations that governed the pilot programme will continue to apply to the permanent clubs. These include geographic restrictions to the City of Paris and a ban on electronic games. “Under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior and the Paris police, these establishments adhere to high standards of oversight, integrity, and prevention of excessive gambling,” the Senate noted.
By establishing a permanent legal framework, gaming clubs are expected to bolster Parisian economic activity and reinforce the city’s reputation as a leader in responsible, regulated gaming.
The decision has been warmly received by relevant stakeholders, including the trade association Casinos de France, which represents the country’s land-based casino industry. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association praised the Senate’s approval as a significant advancement. The association emphasized that the new legal framework affords clarity and visibility to a model that has already demonstrated its value through legal and regulated operations.
“This long-awaited step forward finally provides a clear legal framework, giving visibility to a model that has largely proven its worth,” the association said. It added that Parisian gaming clubs have effectively demonstrated their capability as regulated and transparent alternatives to their illegal predecessors, maintaining stringent oversight and integrity standards.
However, some voices in the industry caution against complacency, urging for vigilance in maintaining high regulatory standards. While the move to permanency is seen as a positive development, there are concerns that the expansion of gaming clubs could lead to increased competition for traditional casinos, potentially impacting their revenue streams.
Critics argue that the government must ensure that gaming clubs do not expand their offerings beyond the current scope, which could disrupt the balance with existing casinos. They remind policymakers of the importance of maintaining a level playing field and ensuring that all gaming establishments adhere to the same stringent regulatory framework.
As the final decision now awaits the approval of the National Assembly in the upcoming budget bill, stakeholders remain hopeful. They believe that if the amendment is passed, it will secure a stable future for gaming clubs in Paris, offering both economic benefits and reinforcing the city’s position as a model for responsible gambling practices.
In conclusion, the shift towards making gaming clubs a permanent feature in Paris reflects broader trends in the gaming industry towards regulated and transparent operations. The outcome will be closely watched by other cities and countries considering similar measures. Paris, with its rich history and cultural significance, could set a precedent in balancing economic opportunity with regulatory oversight in the gaming sector.
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