New laws introduced in 2023 allow towns with an equestrian heritage to house casinos
The Joa Group has opened its 35th casino in France with the unveiling of the 15m Joa Casino Saumur in Maine-et-Loire on March 26, on the banks of the River Loire.
Housed in the former Le Palace cinema, the 2,100 m² casino offers a modern and user-friendly gaming area with 125 slot machines, seven electronic blackjack stations, 20 electronic English roulette stations and four traditional table games: blackjack, roulette, ultimate Texas Hold’em poker. There’s also a restaurant, Le Comptoir JOA, a lounge bar and a sports bar.
As reported by Journal des Casinos, its first day of operation attracted more than 2,500 people with 67 jobs created. Behind the listed, fully renovated façade of the former cinema, the lobby housing the identity check area is designed to be welcoming and elegant, blending marble, aluminium, and glass.
New laws introduced in 2023 allow towns with an equestrian heritage to house casinos. As such, in the restaurant area, the equestrian tribute, which is an integral part of Saumur’s identity, is enhanced by the presence of photographs provided by the Cadre Noir, the elite French cavalry corps based in the Pearl of Anjou. Elsewhere, mouldings and models of horses are also affixed to the walls. A lounge area, equipped with a giant screen, offers snacks, cocktails, and an extensive selection of local wines and extends from the dining room. The entire space revolves around a large, horseshoe-shaped bar that occupies a central position in the room.
Laurent Lassiaz, President of the Joa group, said: “As president of the Joa Group, the inauguration of the Saumur casino is a very moving experience, as it represents a rare moment in the life of a group and an industry. Negotiations with the town hall were tough, but the result is superb, and coming off the Olympic Games where the French shone, I want to award a gold medal to all my teams for their hard work.”
Laetitia Nespola, Casino Director, added: “I am very honored to have been chosen to manage this casino. I would like to thank Thierry Alric, who oversaw this work for the group, Damien Dufort, and all the teams at the Joa group for their involvement in this project. Today, everything truly begins for me in this magnificent setting.”
Jackie Goulet, Mayor of Saumur, commented: “Joa has achieved a remarkable feat. A feat that is both technical and human, having met the extremely tight deadlines. Furthermore, you have succeeded in opening this extraordinary building in the heart of the city, thus bringing renown to Saumur far beyond the Maine-et-Loire department.”
The post Joa Casino Saumur opens in Maine-et-Loire as Joa’s 35th casino appeared first on G3 Newswire.
New laws introduced in 2023 allow towns with an equestrian heritage to house casinos The Joa Group has opened its 35th casino in France with the unveiling of the 15m Joa Casino Saumur in Maine-et-Loire on March 26, on the banks of the River Loire. Housed in the former Le Palace cinema, the 2,100 m²…
The post Joa Casino Saumur opens in Maine-et-Loire as Joa’s 35th casino appeared first on G3 Newswire.