France's largest casino opens its doors in Toulouse...

French entertainment and leisure giant Groupe Lucien Barrière has officially opened its latest gaming establishment in the southern city of Toulouse.

The E73m Casino Théâtre Barrière de Toulouse has overtaken the Lyon Vert as France’s biggest casino. Located on the Ile du Ramier, the 14,300sq.m venue, which is spread over three levels, was designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, architect for Cardète and Huet.

The casino offers 14 standard table games, including Texas Hold\‘em Poker, and 250 slot machines distributed over two levels linked together by escalators. The gaming area has been complemented with a magnificent 1,200-seat theatre. At least 150 events will be scheduled every year, ranging from operettas to musical comedies.

Lucien Barrière Hôtels and Casinos has also introduced three restaurants and three bars, one of which - Samouraï - is reminiscent of the Asian-themed CAT bar at the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas.

The French group, which operates hotels, casinos, restaurants and golf resorts across the country, said the investment could be profitable in five to 10 years, depending on when the number of slot machines can be increased.

In the first month, according manager David Parré, the Casino Théâtre Barrière welcomed 100,000 visitors. The restaurant served more than 37,000 guests.

Dominique Desseigne, chairman of the supervisory board of Groupe Barrière, said he was "proud to see a modern 21st century casino on the Ile du Ramier" and that the casino should quickly be ranked among the top 10 casinos in France.

In the first year of opening, CEO Sven Boinet said he expects gross gaming revenue to total E50m for the Toulouse casino. In fiscal 2008, the group expects one million visitors.

Jean-Luc Moudenc, Mayor of Toulouse, emphasised that this casino was "important for the economy of Toulouse.” The total contribution to the town could be more than E10m in 2008. Moreover, 90 per cent of the theatre-casino’s 270 employees are from the region.

As Europe’s largest casino market, there are approximately 200 casinos in France, the majority of which are spread around the country’s tourist coastline. In 2006 92 per cent of France’s gaming income came from slots.

The French system of operating casinos is unique in that local interests are protected by a partnership with the operator. The mayor of a community may decide that a casino is in the interests of his town or city - especially for the income it may generate - and will then open bids for operators to run it.

The location may be owned by the community or by the operator, but the business itself is run on a shared basis. The municipality is not permitted to operate the casino itself, but it is free to choose its operator depending on the package of proposals the operator puts forward in the bid.

The city may, for example, indicate in advance that it wishes financial support for its football team, a new stadium, sports centre, museum or whatever it sees as a benefit to the community. At any event, it is almost inevitable that the casino will be entering the life of the local community in some way.