Gaming Clubs, a modern version of Gaming Circles, have flourished in Paris, enchanting poker enthusiasts and fans of classic banking games. The French capital boasts a total of eight gaming clubs today, but astonishingly, it lacks any true casinos. This absence, much to the chagrin of Parisians who adore the thrill of roulette and the allure of slot machines, can be traced back to strict regulations and laws that those born after 100 years ago might not even be aware of. These laws, notably updated in 1919, position Paris as an oddity among major European capitals.

1806 - The Dawn of Casino Regulations

It was under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte that the first regulations governing casinos emerged. His vision dictated that these establishments be situated far from urban centers, a step taken to safeguard the vulnerable populace from the perils of gambling addiction. This was a time when poverty was rampant and the suffering of the people was much more pronounced compared to today's societal challenges.

1919 - The Prohibition of Casinos in Paris

Following the initial licenses granted to casinos in coastal and health resorts, which were aimed at attracting tourists, the anticipation among Parisian gaming aficionados was palpable as they yearned for venues where they could express their passion for games of chance. However, their hopes were dashed when, in 1919, a law was enacted that prohibited any betting games within a 100 km radius of Paris.

The town of Enghien-les-Bains, which is located just 25 km from the heart of Paris, managed to secure an exemption in 1931, though it does not feature the game of boule. Today, it remains a solitary exception and is celebrated as the only casino in the Greater Paris region.

The Present-Day Casino Landscape in France

Currently, France is home to nearly 200 gaming establishments, holding a record within Europe. These include prominent names such as Barrière casinos, Partouche casinos, and Joa casinos, which form the backbone of the French gaming industry.

In the Parisian landscape, the seven gaming clubs (Club Pierre Charron, Paris Élysée Club, Club Barrière 104, Club Circus, Club Montmartre, Imperial Club and Punto Club) offer an array of options for poker and traditional games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Blackjack with its enticing Blazing 7's Jackpot.

If you are looking to indulge in roulette or slot machines – both of which are strictly prohibited in the gaming clubs within Paris – your only resort is to travel to a casino.

Speaking of slot machines, their inception can be traced back to San Francisco in 1887, where Charles Frey designed the first machine. It gained monumental popularity in the 1920s, featuring three reels and five distinct symbols (including a heart, spade, diamond, bell, and horseshoe). Although these machines were authorized in France only in 1986, they didn't permeate the country's casinos until 1992.

The exact origins of roulette remain somewhat obscure, appearing in the mid-17th century amidst various theories. The most prevalent suggests it was crafted by French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal, inspired by Italian Biribi and English Roly-Poly games. By 1860, when gambling was legitimized in Monte Carlo, roulette had claimed its place as a favored pastime across Europe and later in the United States.

The Global Evolution of Casinos

Initially, in the 17th century, a “casino” referred to a small house in northern Italy, situated away from the city’s hustle and bustle. These secluded venues served as perfect retreats for quiet living, distanced from an ever-changing world. It was in Venice where the term “ridotto,” translating to “nook,” was assigned to spaces within homes where games were played, including gambling – essentially creating a gaming room.

Over time, the notion of a “ridotto” evolved, transforming into the term “redoubt” by the 18th century, as such rooms with varied table games spread throughout Italy, and eventually Austria, Germany, and England.

From 1780 onwards, “casino” emerged as a universal term across Europe and the world to signify these gaming rooms, thanks largely to British tourism to fashionable Italian locales of the era.

In French, the term “gaming house” took on new connotations by 1850, often associated with “gentlemen’s clubs” and sometimes “pleasure houses.” The proliferation of these establishments eventually made their way into the United States, where saloons transformed into the first gambling halls, leading to the modern casinos we know today, each shaped by distinct national regulations.

Las Vegas reigns as the casino capital, boasting famed venues like the Rio (home of the renowned WSOP), the Bellagio, Mirage, Wynn, and many others, making it a pilgrimage site for gaming enthusiasts. Atlantic City also serves as a hub for casino lovers in the United States. In recent years, Macao has risen to prominence as Asia's equivalent of Las Vegas, known for its high-stakes games and tables, threatening to eclipse the classic gambling paradise of Las Vegas in the hearts of many.

Diverse Casino Games Await

European Games                     American Games
English Roulette                                        American Roulette
European Roulette                                            Craps
(Or French roulette)                                            Black Jack
Jeu de la boule                                            Texas Hold'em
Trente et quarante                                            Ultimate Poker

Baccarat                                          Bingo
Punto Banco                                           Big Six Wheel
Baccarat on two tables                                           Let it Ride
(or Banque à tout va)                                           Pai Gow poker
(Or no-limit Baccarat)
Chemin de fer

1990-2020 - THIRTY YEARS OF ONLINE GAMBLING

The dawn of the Internet in the early ‘90s marked the rise of numerous virtual casinos offering a plethora of online gambling opportunities. This unregulated territory became known as the new El Dorado for gaming enthusiasts. With the French Act of May 12, 2010, aimed at liberalizing and regulating online gambling, the Online Gaming Regulatory Authority (ARJEL) was established to ensure protection for French players and to combat illegal offerings and fraud.

Since that time, many online poker platforms (like Winamax and PokerStars) and sports betting sites (like PMU, Unibet, Betclic, and Parions Sport) have emerged in France. Just as in physical casinos, online casinos are entirely banned in Paris. Could this be the next frontier in gambling reform?

AND NOW ?

The paradox of Paris’ lack of casinos presents a curious narrative, yet the recent opening of eight gaming clubs in a short span and the launch of the online market allowing French, Spanish, and Portuguese players to interact hints at a promising outlook for the overall gaming environment in France.

For those who yearn for a casino in Paris, the gaming circle regulations from 1901 have been revisited and modernized in 2018, leading to the creation of Gaming Clubs. There is a glimmer of hope that one day, casinos may be welcomed back to the City of Lights!

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