A Gamble Pays Off: Casino Comes to Pontivy

In a surprising turn of events, Pontivy, a town in the heart of Brittany, is set to become home to a brand-new casino. The project, spearheaded by the Pesked group, a prominent European casino operator, marks a meaningful progress for the region. This venture is made possible by the recent law of December 14, 2023, designed to address territorial inequalities by permitting casino openings in specific areas.

Breaking Ground: First Casino in Center-Brittany

Traditionally, casinos in France were limited to coastal resorts, spa towns, and major tourist hubs within large metropolitan areas. However, the 2023 law opened new avenues. Municipalities that housed the headquarters of a horse racing company as of January 1, 2023, became eligible to host casinos. Pontivy, with its century-old racing company, seized this opportunity.

John-Bêr Dupont, CEO of the Pesked group, explained the strategic decision: We prefer to target medium-sized cities located inland that are recognized for their high tourist potential. Our choice fell on Pontivy, crossed by the Nantes Canal in Brest and which now has a three -star inter -municipal campsite. This makes Pontivy the first city in center-Brittany to boast a casino.

From Fodder to Fortune: Revitalizing a Historic Landmark

The casino will be housed in the town’s historic fodder store, a building dating back to 1842. Originally used to store feed for the cavalry barracks, the building has fallen into disrepair after being abandoned by the army in 1927 and later used by municipal services. The Pesked group plans to invest €5 million to transform the dilapidated structure into a modern gaming establishment, breathing new life into a forgotten landmark.

Construction is slated to begin in September 2025.

games Galore: what to Expect Inside

The Pontivy casino will offer a diverse range of gaming options,from electronic games like slot machines (frequently enough referred to as penguin bandits) to classic table games such as roulette,Black Jack,and Poker,including Texas Hold’em.Other games may include Keno, Baccara, Bingo, and more.

Economic Jackpot: A Boost for pontivy

The Pesked group projects an annual turnover of €10 million by the 2027-2028 fiscal year. This venture is expected to be a significant economic driver for Pontivy. The city stands to gain up to 15% of the casino’s gross gaming revenue, explaining the decision to provide the fodder store to the Pesked group at no cost.

The French casino industry is currently experiencing a period of relative prosperity. According to recent data, the 201 casinos across France generated approximately €2.3 billion in gross gaming revenue during the 2017-2018 fiscal year, representing a 0.6% increase compared to the previous year. Slot machines accounted for nearly 85% of this revenue.

casinos can be a significant source of revenue for local governments,but it’s crucial to consider the potential social impacts and implement responsible gaming measures.

Source: French Gaming Authority Report, 2018