During the last 3 years, terrestrial casinos in France have encountered many difficulties. In 2011, their situation has been improved since national growth is back with nearly 1%. However, this increase hides a mixed picture marked by a decrease in activity for more than half of the actors.

In figures

Last Tuesday, December 20th, the three sector unions (Casinos de France, Syndicat des casinos modernes de France and Association des casinos indépendants français) issued a joint press release. The text announces gross gaming revenue for 2010-2011 of 2,32 billion euros, which represents an increase of 0,95% compared to previous fiscal year. If slot machines registered a 0,90% increase, table games are the one which have the faster growth, with 1,44%. Enghien-les-Bains’ casino, belonging to the Barrière group, is still ahead of the competition with a gross revenue reaching 157 million euros.

Strong growth, only for a few

If this 1% increase has ended a 3 years recession in the industry in which the activity has declined 20%, it does not bring back optimistic views for terrestrial casinos. Indeed, this is the result of only a few actors involved. More than half of the french terrestrial casinos recorded a drop in their activity for the fiscal year 2010-2011.

A worrying trend

The outcome of the casino industry represents a concerning stability. If the recovery is undeniable, the business model of the sector remains fragile, within a critical economic situation. In addition, the 3 last months of the year highlights a worrying trend, pushing the actors to find a real getaway plan to get out of the crisis, seeking operational improvements, and trying to offer new games to their customers.