On December 15, French casinos will be operational once again after a second lockdown with COVID-19 protocols in place. Trade union Casinos de France reports that the country’s land-based gaming industry will be back in business within a few weeks. The union stresses the importance of reopening as essential for citizen well-being and the economy. The casinos are responsible for 15,000 direct jobs and 45,000 indirect employment positions.
The reopening of casinos in France comes after an extended second national lockdown, which began on October 30. It was supposed to end on December 1, but was lengthened, with only essential businesses permitted to remain open.
Casinos de France worked to make the reopening process happen while still respecting the new measures the government put in place regarding the pandemic. The union pointed out in its reopening announcement that the casinos must get back to work, as the venues drive local economies.
The casinos are responsible for 15,000 direct jobs and 45,000 indirect employment positions. Each year, the industry generates US$1.6 billion in taxes.
Today, French casinos are prepared to provide further protection for customers and collaborators. The union stated that with the reopening, more stringent capacity limits will be in place. For instance, customers must register upon entry, a requirement that will assist in traceability and is still compliant with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
Casinos will use TousAntiCovid, a contract tracing application, and take the temperature of customers as they enter the facility. Operators will disinfect regularly to promote a clean environment.
In France, casinos originally shut down in early 2020 and reopened in June with strict health protocols in place. At that time, measures instituted included disinfection, physical barriers between players and staff members, and face-covering usage. These measures will remain in place this time around as well.
The union reiterated the need for physical casino operations due to the increase in illegal online gaming activity among the country’s citizens. Casinos de France said that such sites have no controls for problem gambling mitigation, protecting minors, or money laundering. By reopening the casinos quickly, the organization claims, it will help ensure the country’s health and public order.
