According to French law, you can’t open a land-based casino just anywhere. In fact, this type of gambling establishment is only permitted in certain cities. These cities must have a special designation, such as a seaside resort, spa resort, health resort, or tourist destination, among others.
Many municipalities are therefore seeking certification. This is precisely what Montpellier has just achieved. By being recognized as a tourist destination, the town will be able to welcome a casino. Now, all that remains is for such a project to be officially launched.
A classification process marked by the hostility of environmentalists
At the very beginning of last October, Montpellier’s city council adopted a proposal to initiate the process of classifying the city as a tourist site with the Hérault prefect. The goal, as announced by the elected representatives of the majority, was simply to strengthen the town’s appeal to tourists.
For environmentalists, this was simply a means of getting a casino into the city. However, there are already two right next door: one in Palavas-les-Flots and the other in La Grande Motte. This seemed excessive to the twelve Green Party (EELV) elected officials, who therefore voted against the classification process at the city council meeting.
A casino that will ultimately not open near the Nicollin stadium
It must be admitted that the environmentalists’ fears were entirely justified. Moreover, the mayor of Montpellier, Michaël Delafosse, made no secret of the fact that opening a casino was absolutely not out of the question, even if it would be the subject of future discussions. Moreover, this is a fairly old idea for the city. Indeed, when former mayor Philippe Saurel launched the stadium project in Cambacérès, led by the Nicollin family, it already included plans for various entertainment venues in the area, including the possibility of opening a land-based casino.
As we know that the Partouche group is rather close to the Nicollin clan, everyone expected to one day see the construction of a gaming establishment managed by the famous operator.
However, we now know that the future sports arena will finally see the light of day in Pérols. When this new location was announced last January, Laurent Nicollin had specified that no gaming complex would ultimately be built in the area. However, this hasn’t stopped the Partouche group from still showing interest in the opportunity to launch in the city. Now all that remains is to know the exact location of the hypothetical casino.
Certification obtained for a period of 12 years
Whatever happens, we now know that Montpellier has received the Tourist Site label. Obtained for a period of 12 years, this label strengthens the town’s attractiveness by offering a guarantee of quality to tourists who come to the city, with a diversity of accommodation options, quality entertainment, and easy transportation.
It also allows for the possibility of opening a casino. Since the municipal majority does not appear to be opposed to the project and an operator has already expressed interest, everyone expects a call for tenders to be launched soon. Now all that remains is for it all to actually come to fruition.
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