Last update 9 July 2025
Paris, cultural capital of France, seduces with its museums, shows, restaurants and emblematic monuments. Yet, despite its worldwide appeal, it does not possess a traditional casino. No casino with tables, machines or roulettes in the capital: only private clubs offer certain games, accessible with a nominative pass.
While more than 200 casinos exist in France, this absence intrigues. Other cities like Nice or Deauville have them. In Paris, gaming remains confined to clubs – no machines, no roulette. This choice is explained by historical, legal and image reasons.
This article explores the clubs of the capital, immersive experiences like escape games, online offers, or even occasional events (concert, evening, poker, etc.). It also presents nearby options like Enghien-les-Bains, in Île-de-France.
By mixing opinions, history, unusual places, show or virtual reality, this overview reveals how the gaming scene in Paris evolves.
If you are looking for a casino in Paris, you might be surprised: the French capital has none. An atypical situation for a city of world renown, all the more surprising that France has a large number of casinos distributed throughout the territory. Why does Paris make an exception? The answer is found in its history and in the very strict legal framework that surrounds gambling in France.
An old prohibition still in force
A law of 1919 prohibits casinos in cities of more than 100,000 inhabitants, except seaside, thermal or climatic resorts. Paris does not meet these criteria. Result: no club can offer the typical games of a casino. At the time, this measure aimed to protect large cities from gambling-related problems: money laundering, delinquency, social instability. Since then, despite attempts at events or projects carried by groups and elected officials, nothing has changed.
The capital therefore remains apart. Players must turn to gaming clubs, or to nearby establishments like Enghien-les-Bains, in Île-de-France. The return of a real casino to Paris is still not on the agenda.
A very strict legal framework
The regulatory framework for gambling in France is one of the most regulated in Europe. Any activity related to gambling (whether it be poker, roulette or slot machines) is subject to state authorization and is subject to regular controls. It is the Gaming Commission that supervises authorizations, licenses and compliance with obligations imposed on operators.
Opening hours, security, identity control at the entrance, presentation of an access pass, the fight against addiction, or the player protection devices are part of the regulatory requirements imposed on approved establishments.
In this context, authorizing a casino in a Paris district would represent a major upheaval for public authorities. This is one of the reasons why no project has come to fruition so far, despite the manifest interest of certain economic actors.
The creation of gaming clubs: a regulated alternative
Faced with the prohibition of establishing a casino in Paris, France created in 2018 gaming clubs, accessible with a pass. They offer table games like poker, in a strict legal framework. This system, specific to France, aims to regulate the experience while guaranteeing security.
These clubs, subject to prefectural authorization, ensure traceability of transactions. Reviews often praise their welcome and their security, which attracts French and foreign players. On the other hand, no slot machines or roulette: these games remain reserved for casinos located in authorized zones, like Enghien-les-Bains, in Île-de-France.
For a more complete offer, you have to leave the capital. Parisian clubs focus on elegance, discretion and a muffled atmosphere. A different experience, supervised, which reflects a clear will: protect players while maintaining gaming in the heart of Paris.
The absence of casino in Paris continues to question, both economically and touristically. Many professionals estimate that a legal and well-supervised establishment could generate positive benefits for the city and for France, notably in terms of jobs and tax revenues.
However, the authorities in France prefer until now to maintain the prohibition, estimating that the offer of gaming clubs, associated with that of casinos in the periphery, already responds to national demand. Moreover, caution remains appropriate in a context where risks linked to addiction and financial excesses remain a very present reality in France.
Thus, even without casino in its capital, France proposes a regulated framework that seeks to reconcile leisure, security and responsibility.
In the absence of casino in Paris, gaming clubs constitute today the only possibility for gambling enthusiasts to practice certain activities in a legal framework. Authorized since 2018, these establishments have progressively taken their place in several districts of the capital. They are not casinos in the legal sense, but represent a supervised and well-structured alternative.
A specific legal offer
Parisian clubs are subject to a distinct regulation from classic casinos. They can exclusively propose traditional table games. There is Poker (mainly Texas Hold'em and Omaha), Punto Banco, Stud Poker, Ultimate Poker and Mah-jong.
Slot machines, roulette, or any other electronic game of chance are formally prohibited there. These establishments respond to strict criteria: identity control at the entrance, access with pass reserved for adults, surveillance devices, fight against money laundering, and active policy of prevention of excessive gambling.
Players must also comply with precise rules. Some clubs impose a membership fee or an annual pass. All apply reinforced security measures, both for financial flows and for supervising schedules and risky behaviors.
Club opening hours may vary according to the days of the week. Access to certain clubs requires a nominative pass issued at the entrance, which contributes to reinforcing security and customer control.
Each club opening is perceived as a new opportunity for gaming enthusiasts equipped with their pass. Since their legalization, Parisian gaming clubs have attracted a clientele seeking refined entertainment, often located near the high places of tourism like the Louvre or Notre-Dame. In the heart of the capital, Parisian gaming clubs distinguish themselves by their quality of service and facilitated access with a pass. Here is a selection of the most reputed establishments, often located in the most prestigious neighborhoods of Paris, where a pass is generally required to enter.
Club Barrière Paris – 8th arrondissement
Club Barrière, located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, two steps from the Elysées, is part of the most prestigious clubs in the capital. Installed on one of the most iconic avenues in the world, it seduces players with its high-end setting and its reputed gaming tables. From the entrance, a pass is required to access different zones, notably VIP spaces or private tournaments.
One finds poker in cash game, tables dedicated to Ultimate Poker, Punto Banco and other game variants. The club, managed by the Barrière group, is also known for its discreet restaurant, its extended hours and its tailor-made services. It benefits from an excellent general review, notably for the quality of the welcome and the muffled atmosphere of its evenings.
A simple call allows to reserve one's place, to obtain a promotional code, or to know more about the events, concerts, animations or shows of the day. The club also sometimes offers casino-themed escape games, in partnership with other leisure sites in Paris. Located near the Louvre, the Seine, parks and great cultural places, Club Barrière is an experience to live, whether for a complete day or a return in the evening under the Parisian rain.
Club Pierre Charron – 8th arrondissement
The Club Pierre Charron has established itself as one of the most modern establishments in Paris, in the heart of the 8th arrondissement. Two steps away from George V avenue and not far from the Elysées, this club offers a high-end experience in the world of games, perfectly integrated into the chic atmosphere of the capital. It embodies a new generation of gaming clubs, dynamic and open to all players.
Opened in 2020, this spacious and bright club has a wide choice of gaming tables, accessible via a daily or annual pass. Poker occupies a central place there with rich programming in tournaments, daily cash games and exclusive formats. The presence of ancillary services — restaurant, sports broadcasts, VIP lounges — makes it an appreciated place, even in the evening or in the rain.
Access to certain areas, notably the private lounges, is done by reservation via a specific pass. The club also regularly organizes events, sometimes in connection with concerts, shows or casino-themed escape games, located in the surroundings of the Louvre, the Seine or the great Parisian squares. A simple call is enough to know the schedules, receive an access code or get information about the next evening not to be missed.
Club Circus Paris – 16th arrondissement
Less known to the general public but appreciated by regular players, the Club Circus seduces by its convivial atmosphere and its efficient organization. It offers a range of games similar to that of other clubs, with accessible buy-ins and experienced croupiers. A daily pass allows new players to discover the establishment.
Its off-center location, in a residential area of the 16th arrondissement, attracts a faithful clientele, often local, who renews their pass each week.
Club Montmartre – 9th arrondissement
In a more popular and accessible spirit, the Club Montmartre welcomes dozens of poker players each day, from beginner to professional player. It is particularly renowned for the quality of its tournaments, organized in a relaxed but rigorous atmosphere, and open to all pass holders.
Located near Clichy square, it addresses a broader public, and emphasizes pedagogy around the game. Student or discovery passes are sometimes offered during special events. Each Parisian gaming club offers a unique atmosphere and rigorous supervision, allowing everyone to find the environment that suits them — provided they have the right pass in hand.
The announcement of a poker tournament is often enough to boost attendance at gaming clubs in Paris, particularly in the 8th arrondissement. Since their legalization in France, these clubs have seen a remarkable return to the heart of the capital, attracting players, tourists or former members of historical circles.
Between cash games, VIP passes, events, parties, and even casino-themed escape games, the experience offered appeals to a varied audience. Some establishments near Notre-Dame, the Louvre or the Seine benefit from a constant flow, even in the rain or after an outdoor concert in Parisian parks.
The gaming code is evolving, and while waiting for a change on casinos, these clubs offer a legal and high-end alternative. A simple call often allows you to reserve a table, know the schedules or obtain a pass valid for the day or evening.
Even though Paris intra-muros has no casino, several renowned establishments are easily accessible in the Paris region. Less than an hour from the city center, some sites allow you to find the complete atmosphere of a traditional casino, with its slot machines, gaming tables, entertainment and restaurants.
For players seeking an authentic experience, these alternatives offer a concrete reality a few kilometers from the city. It is thus common to see tourists leaving a visit to Notre-Dame to join Enghien-les-Bains in the evening.
Casino Barrière d'Enghien-les-Bains: the must-see
Only 14 km from Paris, on the shores of Lake Enghien, Casino Barrière d'Enghien-les-Bains is one of the most renowned casinos in France. Unique in Île-de-France, this gaming club benefits from a special status linked to the thermal resort, allowing it to operate despite the ban in force in the capital.
The casino offers a complete experience: more than 500 slot machines, poker, blackjack and roulette tables, a gourmet restaurant, a theater with 700 seats, and regular events (concerts, shows). The program is updated every month. Each announcement attracts many players and gaming enthusiasts.
Located 20 minutes from Gare du Nord, the site is ideal for an evening, a day, or a return to elegant entertainment. From the Champs-Élysées to the Seine, the casino world fascinates. In case of rain, one can enjoy the covered sites for free. The surrounding clubs extend the evening, while entertainment like escape games, virtual reality, or dinner shows delight visitors.
This club evokes the history of gambling in France, between parks, lake and baths, and sometimes echoes iconic places like the Louvre, the Élysée district, or the Olympic sites. Each new announcement arouses the call of the faithful. Check the schedules online and experience the experience of an exceptional casino at the heart of a place charged with elegance.
Chic dress code recommended. Enthusiastic reviews.
Besides Enghien, several other casinos are located a few hours from Paris and deserve to be mentioned for a longer getaway, with or without pass. The reviews left by visitors on these establishments confirm their popularity, the diversity of games, the quality of services and the richness of their event programming.
Casino of Forges-les-Eaux (Normandy)
About 1h45 by car from Paris, the casino of Forges-les-Eaux offers a friendly atmosphere and a complete hotel complex with spa, restaurant, show hall, and more than 300 slot machines. A simple pass is often enough to access the facilities. The opening hours are wide, allowing a visit at any time of the day or evening.
Customer reviews highlight the cleanliness of the premises, the quality of the welcome and the diversity of available games. The establishment regularly organizes concerts, dinner-shows and other events, whose announcement is generally made via the official website or social networks. It's a new destination of choice for Parisians wishing to combine casino, relaxation and entertainment in a natural environment. Ideal for a day visit or a weekend from Paris, especially if one has a pass allowing access to the spa or shows.
Weekend passes are also offered, including accommodation and gaming credits. Thanks to these formulas, visitors can fully enjoy the experience without constraint. Several online reviews recommend booking in advance, especially during high attendance periods or during a special event.
Casino of Deauville
A little further away, but very popular with Parisians, the Casino Barrière de Deauville offers a luxurious seaside experience. It is possible to access it with a VIP pass or a temporary day pass. With its Belle Époque salons, its concerts, its themed evenings and its social events, it attracts an international clientele and regularly offers prestigious poker tournaments, accessible only upon presentation of a player pass.
The casino's opening hours allow a visit both in the afternoon and in the evening. Poker passes must be reserved in advance to guarantee a place in these highly demanded tournaments. Some tournament announcements are even relayed in the specialized press. Some passes also include privileged access to private salons and buffets. According to the most recent reviews, these advantages make all the difference for regular players, whether they come from Paris or elsewhere.
Casino de Saint-Amand-les-Eaux (North)
Located about two hours drive from Paris, this casino is one of the largest in France in terms of attendance. It has numerous gaming tables and slot machines, as well as a rich program of events throughout the year. Show passes, loyalty passes and discovery passes are available to fully enjoy the entertainment.
The casino's extended opening hours allow planning your visit during the day as well as in the evening. The establishment also regularly hosts concerts, artistic performances or themed entertainment, each new announcement of which is eagerly awaited by regulars. Reviews highlight the good value for money of these packages.
Each type of pass offers specific advantages: discounts, priority access, or gaming credits. For loyal customers, an annual pass allows you to benefit from numerous privileges. Reviews published on specialized forums also praise the kindness of the staff and the relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a solo visit or with friends.
A concrete alternative to the Parisian absence
If you are looking to experience a complete gaming experience – including roulette, blackjack, jackpots and entertainment – these establishments represent the only solutions close to Paris. They allow you to rediscover the world of casinos without having to leave the region or travel too far. Moreover, reviews from Parisian players confirm that they constitute an excellent alternative.
The reality of the legislative framework imposes a certain distance, but the quality offer proposed by these establishments largely compensates for the absence of a casino within the capital itself. And if we believe the reviews, it is well worth the trip.
In Paris, the absence of a casino doesn't prevent living an immersive experience. Several clubs, hotels or restaurants organize thematic events around games, with entry passes. Escape games plunge players into universes inspired by poker, roulette or blackjack, sometimes close to the atmosphere of Casino Royale.
You could play a game without money, but experimenting an alternative reality, ideal during a rainy day in the capital. Some evenings take place in prestigious sites close to the Seine, sometimes even near Notre-Dame, the Louvre or historical parks.
Other experiences include VR animations, where one can sit at virtual tables. We find there the elegance of casinos around the world, with music, decorations, and dealers in uniform. These event clubs seduce both companies and individuals.
The history of gaming in Paris continues thus in a playful form respectful of the law in France. A visit punctuated by events, concerts, or a return to a glamorous universe via a simple code or pass. Check schedules and announcements in advance: each new evening attracts its share of curious people.
Whether one comes from the Élysées, a neighboring arrondissement or Enghien, the heart of entertainment remains alive. And this, sometimes for free. Next step? Perhaps a call for an evening near rue Charron, or an event linked to the Olympic Games.
Even without a real casino, Paris offers a richness of cultural, gastronomic and nocturnal activities that allows prolonging the atmosphere of a gaming universe in an elegant and stimulating setting. If you go to a gaming club or participate in a thematic evening around the casino, several experiences can come to enrich your day, in perfect coherence with the spirit of gaming and discovery — especially if you end the evening around Notre Dame, in the heart of the island.
Dinner in a refined restaurant
It is frequent to associate a dinner in a starred restaurant with a gaming session in a club. Some clubs even organize evenings coupling gaming and concert for an immersive experience. These formulas integrate perfectly into a typically Parisian day combining culture, gastronomy and entertainment. A passage by Notre Dame before or after dinner allows adding an iconic touch to your program, even in the rain.
The French capital is a paradise for gastronomy lovers. In the immediate vicinity of clubs like the Club Barrière or the Club Charron, there are numerous renowned restaurants, sometimes located between the Elysées, the Louvre and the Seine. Some offer a view of the Île de la Cité.
The avenues near the Champs-Elysées host prestigious establishments, ideal for starting the evening or extending it after a few hours spent around the tables. The 8th district, very frequented, mixes discretion, quality and cozy atmosphere. An excursion towards Notre Dame, even in the rain, offers a peaceful return to the historic heart of Paris.
Strolling along the Seine or on the Île de la Cité
For a smooth transition between a gaming session and a moment of calm, nothing beats a walk along the Seine. In the evening, the illuminated quays offer a romantic setting, particularly between the Louvre and the Pont des Arts. But the most emblematic remains the Île de la Cité, in the heart of Paris.
The Île de la Cité, with the silhouette of Notre Dame, remains one of the most photographed places in the city. It allows a return to serenity after the intensity of a tournament. The island even offers rest spots for free, perfect for a break between two clubs or after a rain shower.
Attending a concert or a show
Paris lives to the rhythm of its cultural events. Many venues offer concerts, theater plays or various shows. The offer is rich between the Place de la Madeleine, the Elysées, the Louvre or even the Île Saint-Louis. Some concerts are accessible for free, particularly outdoors in parks or along the Seine.
Some gaming clubs even organize their own evenings, mixing live music and dining. Private concerts are given there in a cozy atmosphere. Action enthusiasts will prefer casino-themed escape games, several of which are located between the Louvre, the Seine and the Elysées. After an escape game, a walk back to the island allows to conclude the day gently.
A Parisian lifestyle
Combining gaming, dinner, concert, escape, stroll and culture, that's living Parisian style. Even without a casino, Paris allows a complete day between the parks, the Louvre, the Seine and the Elysées. Each corner of the heart of the capital offers you a unique facet, from the island to Notre Dame — even in the rain.
If you reside in Paris or are passing through the capital, it is entirely possible to find the atmosphere of casinos without having to travel. Thanks to online platforms, gambling games are now accessible at any time, from a computer, tablet or smartphone. These digital solutions allow you to enjoy a wide variety of games, immersive interfaces and attractive bonuses, all while respecting European legislation. Several online casinos also allow you to play for free in demo mode before betting real money, which is an excellent option to discover games safely.
Playing online: a practical and legal alternative
Online casinos approved internationally welcome many French players, including in Paris. Although no specific license is issued by the French State for online casinos (unlike sports betting or poker sites regulated by the ANJ), it is not illegal for a player to register on a site with a recognized foreign license.
In practice, platforms operating under license from Curaçao, Malta or Gibraltar offer a very complete offering, with guarantees in terms of security, payments and data protection. However, it is advisable to verify the reputation of the site before registering, notably by consulting reviews from other users.
The three online casinos to discover from Paris
Here is a selection of three reliable and popular online casinos, which offer attractive bonuses, a French interface and excellent mobile compatibility. Each platform has received a generally positive review from players in France.
Spinch
Kyngs
Talismania
How to register and benefit from bonuses?
Registration on these platforms is generally quick. You just need to create an account, verify your email address, then make a first deposit. At this stage, a bonus code may be requested to activate available promotions. Some online bonuses require entering a promotional code during registration. In case of doubt, it is possible to contact customer support via live chat or by call.
Some casinos also offer a "demo" mode, allowing to test games for free before betting real money. A good way to familiarize yourself with the interface, rules and operation of machines or virtual game tables.
A constantly evolving offer
The online casino market is in perpetual expansion. New operators regularly make their announcement, with innovative concepts, progressive jackpots, mini-games or community tournaments. This dynamic allows each player to find a platform that corresponds to their playing style and objectives.
No, there is no casino in Paris in the legal sense of the term. French law prohibits their establishment in the capital. However, several authorized gaming clubs offer certain table games, such as poker or punto banco.
Clubs are generally open every day of the week, often from late morning until 4am or 6am, depending on the establishments. It is recommended to consult their official website before going there, as schedules may vary according to days and events.
Yes. Proper attire is required. Some clubs refuse entry to people in flip-flops, shorts or tracksuits. It is appropriate to respect the codes of courtesy and elegance in force in these places.
Yes, several clubs organize poker tournaments, one-off events or theme evenings. Players can follow the schedule of these events via social media or official websites. Full-day tournaments are sometimes offered, especially on weekends.
The absence of traditional casino in the capital may surprise at first glance. Yet, this singularity is explained by a unique legislative history in France. From the banks of the Seine, Paris has equipped itself with a network of high-end alternatives for experienced or curious players in Île-de-France.
In the heart of the 8th arrondissement, between the prestigious gaming clubs near the Champs-Élysées (Elysées) and the lively poker or blackjack tables, the offer continues to diversify. Clubs like Club Barrière or Club Charron offer a total immersion, flexible schedules and sometimes even a restaurant or a show as a bonus. Some one-off events, particularly around the Olympic Games, come to enrich the Parisian experience with concerts, guided tours or themed escape games.
For those who wish to play for free, or activate a pass or a promo code, online casinos are an excellent option. These sites, accessible everywhere in France, including from Paris and its parks, offer a great variety of games: poker, roulette, slot machines and even virtual reality games. Whether from the banks of the Seine or in case of rain, from home, access is immediate, secure and without constraint.
And if the desire for a return to physical tables is felt, the casino of Enghien-les-Bains, located nearby, remains a high place of entertainment. Between its view on the lake, its show rooms and its varied games, it represents an excellent compromise between luxury and accessibility. Some player reviews in France even speak of an experience comparable to those of the greatest casinos in the world.
A stone's throw from the Louvre or on an escapade in the surroundings, each day or evening in Paris can transform into adventure. Whether you are passionate about games, fond of clubs, poker amateur or follower of cultural events, the capital is full of options. You only have left to make your call, book your pass or enter your code... and enter the game!
Casino Writer ✅
Author of 26 articles
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Since joining us in 2019, Romain has been a valuable asset to our team. With his rich experience at several game providers, he helps us create exceptional gaming experiences. His in-depth knowledge of the industry allows us to innovate continuously and better meet player expectations.
