Monaco's casinos 'well placed'

Despite a fall in customer spending, Monaco's casinos are well placed to overcome the challenges of the downturn, a leading operator has claimed.

Bernard Lambert, director general of Monte Carlo SBM, which operates five casinos in the principality, said there had been a number of challenges for the industry. Yet despite enduring a difficult 18 months, SBM’s casinos are in a better position than those in some neighbouring countries.

"We had our share of drawbacks due to two factors: 18 months ago, the start of the economic downturn and the ban on smoking," he told InterGaming. "We experienced a drop among our high-rollers and table gamblers, and also a drop in slots.

"Nevertheless, we believe we have been less impacted than our neighbouring countries."