Gaming Clubs, the contemporary iterations of traditional Gaming Circles, have become a sanctuary for enthusiasts of Poker and Banking Games in the vibrant heart of Paris. The French capital, while home to a total of eight flourishing clubs, sadly lacks any operational casinos, which leaves many Parisians yearning for the thrill of roulette wheels and the excitement of slot machines. What’s behind this casino void? A labyrinth of laws that even the most seasoned players might find perplexing, with the most significant legislation tracing back to 1919, rendering Paris an unusual outlier among the grand European capitals regarding gaming establishments.

1806 - The Birth of Regulations

It was during the reign of Napoleon that the very first regulations surrounding casinos came to light. The Emperor's vision dictated that these gaming havens should be distanced from urban centers, a moral stance aimed at shielding the vulnerable populace who faced the harsh realities of poverty and upheaval during that tumultuous time.

1919 - Casinos IN Paris? A Firm 'No'

The dream of Parisian gaming aficionados to experience the glamour of casinos was kindled when coastal resorts opened their doors to gaming in the early 20th century. Following the voter-approved initiative on June 15, 1907, there was palpable excitement among Parisian residents eager to engage in their preferred pastimes. Unfortunately, this excitement was swiftly quashed when a law was enacted in 1919, which categorically barred any forms of betting within a 100 km (62 miles) radius of Paris.

Only the spa town of Enghien-les-Bains, located a mere 25 km (16 miles) from the bustling capital, received the coveted exemption in 1931, albeit without the inclusion of the game of boule. Ever since, it has proudly stood as the singular exception, and the only recognized casino within the Greater Paris region.

TODAY - A Snapshot of France

Currently, France boasts nearly 200 establishments that qualify as casinos, a European record that few can rival. This includes well-known names like Barrière casinos, Partouche casinos, and Joa casinos, which are at the helm of the French casino operation scene.

In the heart of Paris, the seven Gaming Clubs (Club Pierre Charron, Paris Élysée Club, Club Barrière 104, Club Circus, Club Montmartre, Imperial Club, and Punto Club) provide a stage for patrons to indulge in various poker and traditional games such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Blackjack, along with other variants that promise excitement. However, for those seeking the classic allure of roulette and the whir of slot machines, these clubs offer no refuge; the only course of action is to venture out to a casino.

The story of the slot machine began in San Francisco back in 1887, an invention by Charles Frey that quickly captured the imagination of the gambling world, peaking in popularity during the roaring 1920s. Originally, it featured three reels adorned with five distinct symbols: a heart, a spade, a diamond, a bell, and a horseshoe. It wasn’t until 1986 that slot machines gained legal standing in France, with a further wait until 1992 to see them infiltrate the country’s casinos.

Roulette, on the other hand, has less clear origins. Historical accounts suggest that it emerged in the mid-17th century. Various narratives exist, but the prevailing theory credits French polymath Blaise Pascal with its invention, inspired by the Italian games of Biribi and English Roly-Poly of his era.
When gambling was legalized in Monte-Carlo in 1860, roulette soared in popularity, becoming a staple not only in Europe but also making waves in the United States.

The Global Casino Landscape

Tracing back to the 17th century, the term “casino” originally denoted a modest dwelling in northern Italy, situated far from urban hustle. These secluded spots became idyllic retreats for the weary, offering a refuge from the chaotic world. In Venice, the term "ridotto," translating to "nook," was used to describe spaces within homes dedicated to board games and gambling: a precursor to modern gaming rooms.

Through the ages, the term morphed; by the 18th century, “a ridotto” had evolved into “a redoubt,” and such rooms, housing numerous table games, proliferated throughout regions of Italy, Austria, Germany, and England.

From 1780 onwards, “casino” spread as a term recognized across Europe and eventually worldwide, largely popularized by the British who saw Italy as a fashionable vacation spot during that period.

The concept of “gaming house” transformed in French by the mid-19th century, evolving to connote more of a “gentlemen’s club” or even a “pleasure house” in society's eyes, opening avenues for an explosion of gaming establishments across Europe and America.

Fast forward to today, the casino capital of the world, Las Vegas, now hosts legendary venues like the Rio – famed for the prestigious WSOP, the Bellagio, the Mirage, and the Wynn, catering to gaming aficionados from around the globe. Atlantic City maintains its status as another prominent hub in the United States. In recent years, the spotlight has shifted to Macau, which is often dubbed the Asian Las Vegas due to its unparalleled gaming tables featuring the highest stakes, offering a tantalizing challenge to Las Vegas’s long-held supremacy. Only time will reveal if it truly dethrones the iconic gambling mecca.

Casino Games:

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
Le jeu du 23 Caribbean Stud Poker
Three Cards 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

With the dawn of the Internet in the early 1990s, a new wave of virtual casinos offering online gambling emerged, presenting itself as a new El Dorado. This previously unregulated market saw the French Act of May 12, 2010, which introduced the regulations that created the Online Gaming Regulatory Authority (ARJEL), aimed at protecting French players and combating illegal gambling practices and fraud.

Since then, a multitude of online poker platforms (such as Winamax and PokerStars), along with various sports and horse-racing betting sites (including PMU, Unibet, Betclic, and Parions Sport), have surfaced in France. Much like their physical counterparts, online casinos remain noticeably absent in the French market. Could this signify the next evolution in France's gaming landscape?

AND NOW?

While the absence of casinos in Paris is indeed a curious characteristic, the rapid establishment of eight Gaming Clubs within a few short years, alongside the opening up of the online market enabling collaboration amongst French, Spanish, and Portuguese players, paints a promising picture for the future of the gaming sector in France.

For those who dream of seeing a casino set up shop in Paris, it’s worth noting that the laws governing Gaming Circles in Paris, which date back to 1901, have already been updated and tailored to modern demands in 2018 to evolve into Gaming Clubs. Why couldn’t a similar transformation occur someday for casinos?

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