Tough times

But France is not without its opportunities.

The current trends in the French casino industry are not encouraging, but there are signs that the situation will improve in the future.

The exact statistics from the country’s Gaming Police authority for 2011-2012 will be announced soon following the ending of the fiscal year for casinos on October 31. But following several years of decline, revenues were up by only one per cent in 2011 and the predictions are that the industry will continue to struggle, with revenues staying flat or even decreasing by one per cent during 2012. Some operating groups are experiencing financial difficulties.

The still challenging general economic situation and this year’s political upheaval brought about by the change of government have created further uncertainty regarding new changes to tax law and social law. The Gaming Police body continues to be slow to approve new technology and new products (player tracking, automatic roulette wheels, mystery jackpots, slot tournaments and licensed table games are still not allowed in France).

This article can be read in full in the December issue of InterGaming.