On November 24th, the 1st reading of France's 2026 budget bill took place. One of the amendments introduced into the document establishes the permanent legal position of Paris' gaming clubs. They will be able to continue operating as lawful facilities under state supervision.
Casino Market's team has explored the nuances of this decision to deliver key insights. In addition to providing informational support, we can help you start a gambling business in Europe.
Central Facts About the Government Initiative
Before the budget was discussed, the capital’s real-money entertainment venues operated in trial mode for about 8 years. The representatives of the parliamentary SER group introduced the amendment to the bill.
The pool of initiators included:
- Rémi Féraud;
- Colombe Brossel;
- Marie-Pierre de La Gontrie.
To take effect, the document must receive the Senate’s complete consent and pass a 2nd reading in the Assemblée Nationale, the lower house. The draft law’s supporters believe that the pilot program has already proven effective, and that regulated facilities have become a viable legal alternative to unauthorised properties.
The politicians' common position is as follows: the long-term experiment has shown that supervised gambling venues ensure the safety of visitors and the transparency of processes. Additionally, the country has acquired an effective mechanism for monitoring financial flows in this segment.
According to parliamentarians, Paris' real-money amusement facilities generate approximately €120 million annually. Of this amount, €40 million goes to the state budget, and another €10 million is used to implement the capital’s priority objectives.
Securing a persistent legal position for this vertical will ensure:
- permanent jobs (several hundreds);
- a reliable basis for transparent regulation;
- effective supervision and public order maintenance.
It is in the government’s interests to attract lawful, world-renowned operators to the country. The risks of fraud and money laundering remain significant, so maintaining the proven monitoring model is one of the most effective ways to ensure market transparency. This concept is greatly supported by Amélie de Montchalin, France’s Public Accounts Minister.
Historical Background: Key Stages
Parisian gambling clubs were 1st legalised in 2017. That occasion left its footprint in Law No. 2017−257 as an interim, controlled trial that excluded physical slots and e-games.
The project was initially scheduled for 3 years and later prolonged twice: 1st until the end of 2022, and then throughout 2024. Those changes resulted from administrative disruptions and pandemic-related restrictions, hampering a full evaluation of outcomes. Another issue arose in January-March 2025, when a political impasse over budget approval temporarily suspended all club activities.
The vote at the end of November aimed to:
- significantly reduce legal uncertainty;
- create a more sustainable investment environment;
- support untroubled operations for both companies and employees.
The industry’s participants warmly received the initiative. Casinos de France, a local trade organisation, noted that the legalisation of Parisian venues meets public demand for a safe, transparency-focused, and economically steady gaming realm.
Further Prospects of the Vertical
If the lower house passes the bill and turns it into law, this consent would signify a new milestone in the country’s real-money entertainment sphere. The decision would likely capture the attention of global stakeholders seeking stable, reliable hubs to invest in. At the same time, local and regional operators would maintain their competitive advantage.
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