Discover Offline Gambling in Paris, France️️

Gambling in Paris

Paris, the romantic capital of France, is renowned for its iconic landmarks, exquisite cuisine, and vibrant culture. While often associated with its historical and artistic charms, the city also offers a regulated and sophisticated landscape for those interested in offline gambling. Unlike many other major cities, Paris has a unique approach to casino gaming, primarily operating through exclusive "Clubs de Jeux" rather than traditional full-scale casinos with slot machines.

Legality and Regulation of Gambling in France ⚖️

Gambling in France is strictly regulated and legal, overseen by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), formerly ARJEL. The ANJ is responsible for ensuring fair play, preventing fraud, and promoting responsible gambling. French law differentiates significantly between land-based casinos (found outside Paris, mostly in spa towns and coastal resorts), the specific "Clubs de Jeux" in Paris, and various forms of state-monopoly gambling like lotteries and horse racing.

• Land-based Casinos: Traditional casinos with a full range of games, including slot machines, are typically located outside the immediate Paris metropolitan area.
• Clubs de Jeux (Gaming Clubs) in Paris: These are private establishments that replaced the former "cercles de jeux" and are authorized to offer certain table games but generally not slot machines. They operate under a specific regulatory framework.
• Horse Racing (PMU): Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU) holds a monopoly on horse racing betting, with numerous betting shops across the city.
• Lotteries and Sports Betting (FDJ): Française des Jeux (FDJ) holds a monopoly on national lotteries and fixed-odds sports betting, available through various outlets like tobacco shops.

Where to Gamble Offline in Paris 📍

If you're looking to engage in offline gambling in Paris, your options are primarily concentrated in specific types of establishments:

1. Clubs de Jeux (Gaming Clubs)

These are the closest you'll get to a casino experience within Paris itself. They are private clubs, and often require membership (sometimes temporary for tourists) and identification. The atmosphere is generally more upscale and focused on table games.

Some prominent Clubs de Jeux in Paris include:

1. Club Montmartre: Located in the 9th arrondissement, known for its poker tournaments and a variety of table games.
2. Club Circus Paris: Situated near Porte de Clichy, offering a range of poker variants and traditional table games.
3. Paris Elysées Club: Found on the Champs-Élysées, providing a luxurious setting for table games.
4. Club Barrière Paris: A prestigious club offering a wide array of classic table games and poker.

It's important to note that slot machines are generally not available in these Parisian gaming clubs. Their focus is almost exclusively on table games and poker.

2. PMU Betting Shops (Horse Racing) 🏇

For enthusiasts of horse racing, PMU outlets are ubiquitous throughout Paris. These are dedicated betting shops where you can place wagers on local and international races. The atmosphere is typically casual and focused solely on betting terminals and race screens.

While not within Paris city limits, major racecourses near Paris, such as Hippodrome de Longchamp and Hippodrome de Vincennes, also offer live betting experiences during race seasons.

3. FDJ Outlets (Lottery & Sports Betting) 🎟️

Française des Jeux (FDJ) is the national lottery operator. You can purchase lottery tickets (both scratch cards and draw-based games like Loto and EuroMillions) and place fixed-odds sports bets at thousands of authorized FDJ points of sale. These are commonly found in:

1. Tabacs (Tobacco Shops): The most common place to find FDJ services.
2. Newsagents.
3. Bars and Cafes.

Types of Games Available Offline in Paris 🎲

The selection of games varies significantly depending on the venue type:

In Clubs de Jeux:

• Poker: Various variants such as Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and sometimes Stud Poker. Cash games and tournaments are common.
• Blackjack: A popular card game where players aim to beat the dealer without exceeding 21.
• Baccarat: Often played in different forms, such as Punto Banco.
• Ultimate Poker: A casino poker variant played against the house.
• French Roulette: Some clubs may offer French Roulette, though it's less common than in traditional casinos outside Paris.
• Dice Games: Some clubs may feature games like Sic Bo.

Crucially, you will generally not find slot machines (machines à sous) in Clubs de Jeux within Paris. For slots, you would need to visit a traditional casino located outside the city, such as Casino Barrière Enghien-les-Bains, which is the closest full-service casino to Paris.

In PMU Betting Shops:

• Horse Racing Betting: All types of bets on horse races (win, place, trifecta, etc.).

In FDJ Outlets:

• National Lottery Games: Loto, EuroMillions, Keno, Joker , and various scratch cards (e.g., Millionnaire, Cash).
• Fixed-Odds Sports Betting: Bets on football, basketball, tennis, and other sports.

Rules, Etiquette, and Important Considerations 📋

Age Requirement

The minimum legal gambling age in France is 18 years old for all forms of gambling, including entering Clubs de Jeux, placing bets at PMU or FDJ outlets, and buying lottery tickets.

Entry and Identification for Clubs de Jeux

To enter a Club de Jeux:

• You will need a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport for non-EU citizens).
• Many clubs require a membership. Tourists can often obtain a temporary membership by presenting their ID and sometimes paying a small fee.
• There might be a dress code, typically smart casual. Avoid very casual attire like shorts, flip-flops, or sportswear.

Responsible Gambling

France places a strong emphasis on responsible gambling. All gambling establishments are legally obligated to provide information and support for problem gambling. If you feel you or someone you know has a gambling problem, resources are available through the ANJ website and various helplines.

• Self-Exclusion: Individuals can request to be self-excluded from all gambling establishments in France.
• Setting Limits: Online platforms and some physical outlets encourage setting betting limits.

Payment Methods

In Clubs de Jeux, you typically buy chips or credits using cash or sometimes debit/credit cards. PMU and FDJ outlets primarily deal in cash for smaller bets, though larger outlets may accept card payments.

Language

While Paris is a very international city, basic French phrases can be helpful in smaller PMU or FDJ outlets. In Clubs de Jeux, staff often speak English, especially at the registration desk and on the gaming floor.

Conclusion ✨

Offline gambling in Paris offers a distinct experience, centered around sophisticated gaming clubs for table games and widespread access to national lottery and sports betting. While the absence of traditional slot machines within the city limits might surprise some, the available options provide a regulated and engaging environment for those looking to try their luck. Always remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the unique Parisian atmosphere.