Gaming Clubs, a modern adaptation of the traditional Gaming Circles, undoubtedly serve as a playground for enthusiasts of Poker and Banking Games nestled within the enchanting streets of Paris. While the city boasts eight thriving clubs today, the absence of casinos continues to frustrate those who cherish the spinning wheels of roulette and the alluring jingles of slot machines. Why this curious dichotomy? The answer lies in generations of restrictive legislation, with the most pivotal law dating back to 1919, rendering Paris an anomaly among Europe’s major capitals when it comes to legalized gaming establishments.

1806 - First Official Regulations

It was during the time of Napoleon Bonaparte that the framework for the first casinos was conceived, along with stringent regulations designed to govern their operations. The Emperor, motivated by moral considerations, insisted that gaming establishments should be situated away from urban centers, aiming to shield the impoverished masses from the temptations of gambling at a time when poverty was a stark reality. His intent was clear – to protect the vulnerable during a period of hardship.

1919 - Casinos in Paris? It’s a NO!

In the aftermath of casino establishments springing up at coastal, thermal, and health resorts that had been approved by a public vote on June 15, 1907, Parisians found themselves eagerly anticipating the day when they could enjoy their beloved games right in the heart of the capital. However, disappointment loomed large! The law promulgated in 1919 explicitly prohibited any form of betting games within a 100 km (62 miles) radius of Paris.

The spa town of Enghien-les-Bains, merely 25 km (16 miles) from the capital, was granted a rare exemption in 1931, but with restrictions, specifically excluding the popular game of boules. Up until today, it remains the singular exception within the Greater Paris region, proudly standing as the only casino accessible to locals and tourists alike.

Today - In France

Presently, France is home to nearly 200 gaming establishments, holding a European record that showcases the vibrant gaming culture in the country. Prominent among them are the Barrière casinos, Partouche casinos, and the Joa casinos, representing the titans of the French gaming industry.

In the City of Lights, the seven Gaming Clubs, including Club Pierre Charron, Paris Élysée Club, Club Barrière 104, Club Circus, Club Montmartre, Imperial Club, and Punto Club, cater to poker aficionados and traditional game enthusiasts. They offer an array of options including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Blackjack with Blazing 7's Jackpot, Punto Banco, Ultimate Poker, 3-Card Poker, and Stud Poker.

However, for those craving the excitement of roulette and the thrill of slot machines, which are conspicuously absent from Paris's Gaming Clubs, the only destination left is to venture outside the city limits to a casino.

The slot machine, an invention credited to Charles Frey in San Francisco back in 1887, gained immense popularity during the roaring 1920s. Originally, these machines featured three reels adorned with five symbols—heart, spade, diamond, bell, and horseshoe. Although only legalized in France in 1986, it wasn't until 1992 that slot machines found their way into the country's casinos.

The exact origins of roulette remain shrouded in mystery. Historical accounts suggest that it emerged in the mid-17th century, with varying theories about its creator. The most popular narrative attributes its invention to the French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal, who drew inspiration from the Italian game of Biribi and the English game called Roly-Poly during that era. In 1860, when gambling was sanctioned in Monte-Carlo, roulette quickly garnered fame across Europe and later the United States.

The History of Casinos Around the World

Tracing back to the 17th century, the term “casino” initially referred to a small house in northern Italy, strategically located away from cities. These secluded locations were ideally suited for peaceful living, offering an escape from the turmoil of the outside world. In Venice, the term “ridotto,” translating to “nook,” was used to describe designated rooms within homes where individuals indulged in board games and gambling—all converging in what could be considered the first gaming rooms.

As time progressed, the term “ridotto” morphed into “redoubt” during the 18th century, leading to the proliferation of such rooms across Italy, Austria, Germany, and England, teeming with table games of chance.

The term “casino” then gained traction across Europe and later worldwide in the late 18th century, largely thanks to the British who frequented Italy as an exotic travel destination at that time.

In France, the term “gaming house” took on a new connotation around 1850, often interpreted as a “gentlemen’s club” or even “pleasure house.” The establishment of these gaming venues flourished across Europe and America, with saloons serving as the initial gambling halls. Over time, the establishment of casinos as we recognize them today became more prevalent, each adapting to its local regulations.

Today, Las Vegas stands as the undisputed capital of casinos, showcasing iconic venues such as the Rio, the site of the famed WSOP, the Bellagio, the Mirage, the Wynn, among others, creating a pilgrimage site for gaming aficionados. Meanwhile, Atlantic City has solidified its reputation as another beloved gaming destination in the United States. In recent years, Macao has emerged as the Asian counterpart to Las Vegas, captivating players with its high-stakes gaming and lavish establishments. Has it overtaken Las Vegas? Only time will reveal the answer.

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 came an explosion of virtual casinos, initiating a new frontier in online gambling. This previously unregulated market underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of the French Act of May 12, 2010, which aimed at liberalizing and regulating online gambling in the country. This legislation established the Online Gaming Regulatory Authority (ARJEL), tasked with overseeing the burgeoning market, safeguarding French players, and combating illegal gambling.

Since that time, numerous online poker platforms (such as Winamax, PokerStars) and sports and horse racing betting sites (including PMU, Unibet, Betclic, Parions Sport) have flourished in France. Yet, true to the restrictions in place, online casinos remain absent in the French market. Will this evolve into a new chapter for gambling in France? Only the future can tell.

AND NOW?

Despite the perplexing absence of casinos in the glittering city of Paris, the rapid emergence of eight gaming clubs within a year’s time and the expansion of the online gaming market allowing cross-border play among French, Spanish, and Portuguese participants indicate a promising horizon for the gambling industry as a whole in France.

For those who harbor dreams of experiencing the thrill of a casino within Paris, the modifications made to the laws regarding Gaming Circles in 1901, which were adapted to contemporary standards in 2018, to form Gaming Clubs, raise the tantalizing possibility for a similar transformation for casinos in the future.

DISCOVER OUR CASINO GAMES