"These are serious and repeated breaches of regulations": the Casino de la Plage gaming room in Soulac-sur-Mer must close

The reasons for the decision are clear. "These are serious and repeated breaches of regulations, particularly regarding anti-money laundering measures, staff training, and gambling addiction prevention," summarizes the sub-prefect. The National Consultative Commission for Gaming Establishments, which met in June, issued an unfavorable opinion on the renewal of the license after hearing from the operator. Reached Wednesday evening by "Sud Ouest," Roland Léas acknowledged that he had learned of the decision the day before, without having yet received the official letter. "Theoretically, the closure is imminent, but as long as the gaming police don't come, we won't close." The Casino boss declined to comment on the grievances. He believes that "it's still unclear."

The mayor of Soulac-sur-Mer, Xavier Pintat, says he regrets the timing. "What bothers us is that it falls in the middle of summer, when the casino was seeing an increase in attendance in July." But fundamentally, the mayor does not dispute the decision. For him, "the delegate had obligations to fulfill to the State. It seems that there was negligence. He claims to have corrected the situation, but it clearly did not convince." On the contractual level, the mayor specifies in particular that the commitments have been kept. "The rents are paid, the relationship with the municipality is good. But the shortcomings concern the national gaming regulations, which are the sole responsibility of the delegate."

The games room is therefore closing its doors. The adjoining restaurant and nightclub could remain open until the end of the season, subject to an agreement with the municipality. The license to operate games required maintaining a restaurant. It turns out that without games, this regulatory link disappears. "This will be up for discussion," the mayor added.

This comes in the middle of summer, when the casino was seeing an increase in attendance in July.

The sub-prefect is particularly attentive to the social aspect. Around ten employees approved by the ministry are directly affected. "We have worked with the labor department to ensure their rights. A support unit can be set up if necessary." Finally, the ministerial decision can be subject to an appeal or an appeal for annulment before the administrative court within two months. "It's up to Mr. Léas to decide whether he wishes to take this step," explains Fabien Tuleu. A possible reopening will depend on a new authorization, based on the file, after review by the national commission.