French senators backs move to make Parisian gaming clubs permanent
Summary
French senators have adopted an amendment to the 2026 Finance Bill that would end the experimental status of Parisian gaming clubs and make them permanent. The measure, put forward by Socialist, Ecologist and Republican group members Marie-Pierre de La Gontrie, Colombe Brossel and Rémi Féraud, still needs full Senate approval of the budget and a second reading in the National Assembly before becoming law.
Supporters argue the clubs provide a regulated alternative to illegal gambling, ensure financial transparency and traceability, and contribute roughly €120 million a year to the economy (including €40m to the State and €10m to the City of Paris) while sustaining several hundred jobs. The Public Accounts Minister backed the move, citing risks such as money laundering and the benefits of known, regulated operators.
Not everyone is convinced: the Senate Finance Committee rapporteur called for delaying the change to allow a fuller assessment. The clubs were authorised in 2017 as a temporary experiment (excluding slot machines and electronic games), extended twice and disrupted by COVID-19 and a three-month shutdown earlier in 2025. The final decision will depend on upcoming parliamentary votes.
Key Points
- Senators adopted an amendment to make Parisian gaming clubs permanent, removing nearly eight years of experimental status.
- Proposal authored by Marie-Pierre de La Gontrie, Colombe Brossel and Rémi Féraud; requires full Senate approval and a second reading in the National Assembly.
- Clubs are said to generate around €120 million annually (€40m for the State, €10m for Paris) and support several hundred jobs.
- Backers highlight benefits for public order, transparency and anti-money laundering oversight through a regulated framework.
- Opponents — including the Senate Finance Committee rapporteur — want a more complete assessment before permanency is confirmed.
- History: authorised in 2017 as a temporary experiment, extended twice; COVID disruption and a 2025 shutdown complicated evaluations.
- Industry groups welcomed the move, stressing the model’s transparency, security and economic relevance.
Why should I read this?
Quick and simple: if you follow gaming policy, French regulation or the Paris market, this could reshape the sector. It means legal certainty for operators and workers, potential steady tax income for State and city coffers, and a stronger argument against illegal venues. Plus, it’s the kind of regulatory shift that ripples into licensing, compliance and local business plans — worth a couple of minutes.
