Casinos located on the waterfront are part of the landscape of many cities in France, especially in famous seaside resorts like Deauville, Cannes or Biarritz. This proximity between casinos and bodies of water is not the result of chance, but results from historical, economic and legal reasons specific to France. In this article, we will explore why casinos are often located near water in France, providing historical and modern perspectives.
1. A Historical Origin: Between Laws and Tourism
In France, the location of casinos was determined by strict rules established at the beginning of the 20th century. To limit the proliferation of gambling, a 1907 law allowed casinos to open only in seaside resorts, spas, or in cities classified as tourist destinations. This strategy was a way to control gambling while stimulating tourism.
Thus, emblematic coastal towns such as Deauville, Biarritz or Cannes have seen their casinos develop as essential elements of their tourist appeal.
1907 Law : Opening authorized only in seaside resorts, spas, or tourist towns
Objective : Control gambling and stimulate tourism
Examples of cities : Deauville, Biarritz, Cannes
These cities, which already attracted the elite for their beaches and thermal establishments, were strengthened by the addition of casinos, offering visitors a complete experience of luxury and entertainment. The casinos of Deauville or Monte-Carlo were built to meet the demand of a wealthy public, fond of games of chance, while being located in an idyllic setting.
2. Strict Regulations that Shaped the Landscape
French regulations have long imposed special conditions on the opening of casinos. Until recently, casinos could only be established in cities where there was already a strong tourist activity, with a marked preference for seaside and spa resorts. This limitation was intended to control gambling while allowing tourist regions to develop complementary economic activities.
Opening conditions :
Seaside resorts, spas, or tourist towns
Strong pre-existing tourist activity
For example, casinos located on the seafront, such as in Trouville or La Baule, are as much places of entertainment as economic drivers for these cities. Revenues from gaming often contribute to financing local infrastructure and promoting tourism, thus reinforcing the attractiveness of these destinations for French and foreign visitors.
Table: Economic Contributions of Casinos (Data updated for 2024)
City | Number of Casinos | Economic Contribution (millions €) | Additional Activities |
Deauville | 1 | 25 | Beaches, thermalism, events |
Cannes | 2 | 40 | Festivals, beaches, gastronomy |
La Baule | 1 | 15 | Nautism, catering, hotels |
3. Tourist Attraction: Much More Than Gambling
Aside from the regulatory aspects, seaside casinos in France also benefit from a strong tourist appeal. The coastal landscapes provide an idyllic setting that enhances the experience of players and tourists alike. Whether sipping a cocktail on a terrace overlooking the ocean or dining in a gourmet restaurant, the environment plays a significant role in the overall appeal of casinos.
Why are Casinos so Attractive?
Idyllic setting : Ocean view, relaxing atmosphere
Complete experience : Games, gastronomy, shows
Examples of popular cities :
Cannes (Casino Barriere)
Enghien-les-Bains (only casino near Paris)
Cities like Cannes, with its famous Casino Barrière, or Enghien-les-Bains, near Paris, are banking on this exceptional environment to attract a diverse clientele. Casinos are no longer just places to play, but entertainment complexes offering shows, dining, and relaxation, often in a prestigious setting.
4. Revive the Local Economy
Waterfront casinos play a key role in supporting the economies of the regions where they are located. In France, many seaside resorts have benefited from the establishment of these establishments to revitalize their local economy, particularly in the off-season. Casinos have created direct and indirect jobs, and the tax revenues generated have often been used to improve tourism infrastructure.
Economic impact : Creation of direct and indirect jobs
Use of tax revenues : Improving tourism infrastructure
Resorts such as Royan and Saint-Malo have been able to use the influx of tourists attracted by casinos to develop other economic activities, such as catering, accommodation, and water sports. Casinos have thus become pillars of the economic and tourist attractiveness of these cities.
Chart: Impact of Casinos on Local Employment (Data updated for 2024)
City | Direct Jobs Created | Indirect Jobs Created |
Royan | 150 | 300 |
Saint-Malo | 120 | 250 |
Deauville | 200 | 400 |
5. Adaptation to More Flexible Regulations
In some cases, casinos located near water to take advantage of more relaxed gaming and tax regulations. In some states, gaming laws were more flexible for establishments located on water than for those on land. This prompted many investors to develop casinos on floating barges or artificial islands to take advantage of these legal advantages.
These facilities allowed casino operators to circumvent certain local taxes, while still enjoying the economic benefits associated with gambling.
Conclusion: A Key Element of Tourist Attractiveness
In conclusion, the presence of waterfront casinos in France is the result of a combination of historical, legal, and economic factors. This model, which was encouraged by regulations aimed at limiting gambling while stimulating tourism, continues to thrive today. Waterfront casinos offer much more than just a gambling experience: they offer a complete tourist experience, combining entertainment, luxury, and enchanting landscapes.
This tradition of locating on the water's edge still contributes to the attractiveness of French destinations, offering visitors a unique setting for entertainment and relaxation. French casinos, whether in Deauville, Cannes or Saint-Malo, continue to capture the collective imagination and play an important role in the country's tourism economy.
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