French Government Legalizing Vegas-Style Casinos in Paris?

8 years ago
The French government has plans to change its gambling laws.
14:36
20 Apr

The French government has plans to change its gambling laws in order to allow Vegas- style casino in Paris or to regulate current gambling establishments.

Research which will be completed by the end of April will examine whether the French capital should allow Vegas- style casino or reform legislation of cercles des jeux. Cercles des jeux are Parisian famous small gambling establishments which are often described as notorious gambling clubs linked to mafia.

The first gambling clubs in French were established in 1907 when French government passed a bill that prohibits casinos from operating within 62 miles of Paris. Back in 1907 the construction of casinos was only allowed in health resorts and thermal spas but in 1988 French law was extended to tourist area. Under the current law casinos cannot be built within 100 miles of Paris.

Gambling establishments in Paris are still operating under the law that designed them as non- profit organizations whose aims are to promote artistic, social and sporting activities. As a non-profit organization Parisian gambling clubs are not required to have strict security measures. For example there are no surveillance cameras over gaming tables so there is no way of keeping tabs on amounts that are cashed in.

The French government research follows several investigations and scandals linked to the notorious gambling clubs. In recent years cercles des jeux were target of anti-corruption police investigations which led to the closure of many gaming circles of the capital.

Since 2007, 13 gambling clubs have been closed by the Ministry of Interior due to various offences and frauds. In the last six months the Aviation Club de France (former WPT venue) and Cercle Cadet were closed after they were raided by police.

In 2011 three gambling clubs were closed due to the criminal activity and the proprietor of Cercle Wagram was accused of being a member of Corsican Mafia. It was reported that he used gambling den for money-laundering operations for mafia.

The recent raids have caused panic in Paris because many are afraid that cercles des jeux are still running operations for mafia. However owners of the clubs have said that their gambling establishments are not operating under the deal with any mafia.

The authorities believe that current regulation of cercles des jeux and their mode of operating have led to various criminal activities. French government currently has many options to reform the legislation of Parisian notorious gambling clubs or to allow Las Vegas casino style in the French capital.

The research will be completed and submitted by Jean-Pierre Duport by the end of the month.

Photo: theaustralian.com.au


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Ines is a Journalism student with many interests, poker being one of these. Her passion to learn and develop her horizons make her a valuable contributor to the site's content.Read more

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