The French Senate on 24 November approved a legal amendment that could grant permanent status to gaming clubs in Paris, ending a pilot programme that began in February 2017.
Gaming clubs in the French capital have been operating on a temporary basis for almost nine years. This was part of an experimental initiative by the government to assess their impact in Paris. The clubs can offer poker and various other card games, while roulette and slot machines are not allowed,
The programme had been due to end late last year but was extended several times. The latest renewal came in 2024 under the previous Bayrou government, where a three-year extension was agreed.
However, it was decided that the pilot would conclude following the formation of the new government in September, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Subject to final budget approval, gaming clubs will permanently remain in Paris.
An end to ‘instability’ in Paris
The Senate said the amendment would end the “instability” of the pilot initiative and the switch to permanent clubs would also end “uncertainty” for operators, highlighting how the latest extension led to the “abrupt” closure of several clubs in early 2025.
It will be up to the National Assembly to approve the amendment in the upcoming budget bill in 2026.
“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,” the Senate said.
“The gaming club pilot programme has indeed demonstrated its effectiveness by offering a legal and regulated alternative to clandestine gambling dens, while guaranteeing the transparency, traceability and integrity of financial transactions.
“It has made gambling safer in Paris within a framework strictly controlled by administrative authorities, thus contributing to the fight against money laundering and fraud.”
Clubs generate €120 million in annual revenue
Within its approval decision, the Senate also referenced the economic impact of gambling clubs in the city. It said the venues had generated “significant momentum” for Paris.
Clubs in the city produced approximately €120 million ($140 million) in annual revenue. This included €40 million in contributions for the state and €10 million for the city of Paris.
The Senate also said that the clubs had created and maintained several hundred direct and indirect jobs, while operating alongside land-based casinos “without creating any distortion of competition”.
Clubs will follow the same regulations provided in the pilot programme. These include being limited to operating within the City of Paris and not being able to run 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 said.
“By consolidating a stable and sustainable legal framework, the continuation of gaming clubs will help preserve the legal security of operators, support Parisian economic activity and reinforce the capital’s position as a benchmark for responsible and regulated gaming.”
Casinos de France welcomes permanent decision
Responding to the approval, Casinos de France, the trade association that represents the country’s land-based casino industry, welcomed the decision. In a statement on Tuesday it said the move would provide a “clear legal framework” for gaming clubs in Paris.
“This long-awaited step forward finally provides a clear legal framework, giving visibility to a model that has largely proven its worth,” it said.
“Parisian gaming clubs have demonstrated their effectiveness. They constitute a legal, regulated, and transparent alternative to the former gambling clubs, applying demanding standards in terms of oversight, integrity, prevention of excessive gambling and the fight against money laundering.
“We hope this progress will be fully confirmed in the final version of the draft budget law and reaffirms its commitment to working alongside public authorities to ensure a legal, responsible gaming sector that serves the public interest.”
Gaming clubs in Paris have been operating on a pilot programme since early 2017.