Author: Ernest Glenn

Since their reopening on June 22, gambling establishments have struggled to climb back up to catch up with the delay they accumulated during confinement. With summer coming, French casinos are counting on the return of players as well as passing visitors to resume their activities in the best possible conditions.

Several steps to take

The Covid-19 is still present in the territory, hence the mandatory application of certain health rules. In order to obtain authorization to reopen their doors, casinos are subject to a strict protocol designed to protect customers as well as employees. When the deconfinement was announced, the entertainment sites reopened on June 2, 2020. During this period, only slot machines were accessible to punters. The owners of casinos had to make some adjustments in order to respect the distancing measures. It can be said that these precautions have been well received by customers. Wearing a mask remains compulsory and the use of hydroalcoholic gel is strongly recommended. Regarding the crowd, the casinos must limit the entries avoiding as much as possible the contact between the players. As for the machines, they are disinfected for each use. This is the first phase of the recovery process and the second phase took place on Monday, June 22, 2020. This date marks access to the gaming tables according to very specific hygiene standards.

Despite the application of these measures, the difficulties are far from being resolved and we must at least wait until next year for everything to return to normal. However, the casinos hope to compensate for their delay during this summer by increasing the attendance and the offers available. As for slot machines, the figures are rather satisfactory, especially following the celebration of July 14. Indeed, the French are gradually regaining their habits and trying their luck again. The situation remains complicated for the gaming tables because of the barrier gestures that prevent the activity from developing completely. In any case, the summer season represents a big part of the casino market. As a result, gambling establishments should strengthen their turnover in the coming months.

Currently, the gaming industry in France is trying to get its head out of the water by improving their offers and by establishing health rules in accordance with the regulations in force. With the ban on online casinos, with the exception of FDJ services, sports betting and online poker governed by ARJEL, land-based casinos in France enjoy a certain advantage in the sector.