Speculations are rife regarding the possible establishment of a casino in Paris (Roissy). The report of the commission responsible for studying the creation of a legal gambling offer is long overdue. The Interior Ministry has still not received this famous report from Prefect Jean-Pierre Duport announced for the end of April. It has been communicated that it will be in the hands of the minister by the beginning of June. In the meantime, everyone is speculating on what it might contain. However, it is highly probable that this report is positive for the establishment of a few casinos in the French capital. It should be noted in passing that Paris is one of the rare European capitals that does not have a casino. This state of affairs is explained by the law of 1920 prohibiting the establishment of a casino opening gaming rooms less than 100 km from Paris.
If the creation of a casino in Paris is really possible, the final decision will rest with the Town Hall headed by Anne Hidalgo. The latter prefers to wait for this report before speaking on the subject. On the other hand, two possibilities are to be considered, the disappearance of the two circles of games still open or their transformation into a casino club. This second option, allowing the law of 1901 to be changed, is however unlikely.
The FO representatives, received some time ago in Matignon, will not easily give up. The opening of casinos in Paris would be detrimental for the 700 employees of the Enghien casino as well as for the gaming establishments in Normandy or the Opal Coast. The FO delegate also supports the playing circles still active in the capital.
Moreover, Paris is not in possession of the tourist label which favors Sunday work. It is thus difficult for casinos to offer a service 7 days a week unless of course if they are installed in the seven tourist areas of affluence of the capital. Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet does not fail to point the finger at the Town Hall team by accusing them of only being interested in money. For information, the establishment of a casino in Paris could bring in between 10 and 30 million euros in tax revenue.
If the project materializes, a professional in the sector thinks of medium-sized establishments with around 10 tables, 150 to 200 slot machines and 150 employees. The London model is often cited as a reference.