With the Covid-19, many casinos had to close temporarily following the last measures taken to fight against the epidemic of coronavirus, leaving the managers angry and in the incomprehension. They are asking for the right to leave their casinos open before the curfew.
An appeal filed with the Council of State
The Council of State is currently examining an appeal filed by the employers' union "Casinos de France", among others. 117 casinos are currently closed in France. The Barrière group, whose 7 casinos out of 25 are still open, is a party to this appeal. For example, you only need to know the jeetwin login and password to start the game. It wishes to obtain in part the reopening of two of its establishments: the casino of Deauville, and that of Trouville-sur-Mer.
For David Parré, general manager of the Trouville casino, this is an unfair decision. The incomprehension lies mainly in the impossibility of casinos to open outside the curfew, while restaurants and cinemas are not subject to the same restrictions. The impact is difficult to bear for the group: currently, no less than 2800 employees are on short-time working.
The Partouche group is also affected by this crisis, with 6 casinos closed. However, the chairman of the board, Fabrice Paire, says that no cluster has been found in the casinos in general, especially since the establishments are closely monitored by the Ministry of the Interior's Racing and Gaming Department.
Drastic hygiene measures
David Parré highlights the strict measures implemented in his casino, as well as the limit on the number of players (600 instead of 1800). All surfaces are disinfected, the chips are cleaned, and Plexiglas is installed between the machines. Players are required to disinfect their hands and wear a mask. For customers who wish to bypass these restrictions, it is still possible to win the jackpot online through virtual casinos.
The sanitary protocols are verified by a bailiff, and a sanitary referent has been appointed in each establishment to ensure that these measures are respected.
A sector in trouble
Christophe Guérin, director of the Grand Cercle d'Aix-les-Bains casino, is hoping for a positive response to this appeal. The constant closures and reopenings weaken the sector and block any possibility of projection in the future, according to the professional. The loss of earnings for this casino extends to not less than 400 000 euros for the week, with a loss between 6 and 7 million euros on the two periods of closure, that of the confinement and that currently active.
