Hotels & Casinos de Deauville, a subsidiary of Lucien Barriere , today announced results for 2004/2005.

Net income group share increased by 12.6% to 6.5 million euros (against 5.8 M in 2003/2004). Operating income decreased by 2.5% to 17.7 ME, ME against 18.1 in 2003/2004.

The group said that the RN was impacted by additional provisions (- 7.4 ME pre-tax) recorded in part on the proposed hotel Fouquet’s Barrière following receipt of final specifications, and secondly on the hotel project in Marrakech considering adopting a configuration most suited to market needs, and finally by the effect of increased levels of CSG from 1 January 2005 (impact of – 2.5 ME ).

In terms of outlook, the company says that leisure and tourism sectors have low growth prospects and also announced that the group will soon be faced with additional expenses related to the opening of the Baths of Enghien, the Fouquet’s Barrière hotel and casino in Toulouse.

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Special Administrative Region (SAR) of Macau received 651,000 tourists during the Chinese New Year, up 10% over the previous year, informed Tuesday, February 7 to the latest statistics provided by the Office of Tourism.

Tourists from mainland China accounted for 53% of total tourist arrivals for the New Year holiday from January 29 to February 4 by the lunar calendar, the source said.

Furthermore, the occupancy rate of hotels in Macau was about 95% during this period, an increase of 4% year on year, according to statistics.

Macao, major tourist destination in Asia and known for its casino, has received a total of 18.4 million tourists in 2005.

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One of the two business schools from French dealer moved to Aix

Nine weeks to train croupiers. Accustomed to the world of games, Jean-Marie Cresci and Ludovic Drills have launched a new bet. The two former dealers have established their school in September 2005 * First FCC’s area of activity of Aix, to meet a need. “There are many offers in this area but few qualified personnel. There are only two schools in France, ours and oldest in Lyon. We train students for the most popular games: Roulette, blackjack and stud poker, “said Jean-Marie, who has followed a similar course of six weeks in England. “We teach them to behave beyond reproach: a sense of responsibility and hierarchy, discretion, politeness. This is important if they want to get good tips. ” A beginner has a guaranteed minimum tips of 1280 euros gross per month, supplemented if necessary by the casinos. “It may be more important depending on the size of the facility,” says Jean-Marie.

“We are very interested in casinos in France and neighboring countries.” The training, which began in January, has already received thirty applications from all over France. Only obstacle: the cost of 3200 euros. Jean-Marie hopes recognition of the diploma “for it to be supported for job seekers.

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The system, developed by a family of Carcassonne, its creators could bring tens of thousands of dollars per month. According to the testimony of a player, some “clients” were unaware of the illegality of the games.

The extensive crackdown against the illegal slot machines, held Monday in all of Western Department, was continued yesterday by the hearings of the 47 persons taken into custody (The Independent 6 February). After extensive media coverage of the first day, the police observed the silence as total, while the prosecutor of Carcassonne delayed by one day the press conference that he had to take on the subject.

Regarding the alleged organizers of the network, a father and son, owners or managers of several pubs in Carcassonne, they remained in custody throughout the day.

Customers called
But investigations investigators have extended beyond the 47 people arrested on Monday: it was learned yesterday that clients of the institutions mentioned, which were not there Monday when the “descent”, were summoned yesterday to in police be heard. As for the machines, they have been seized in the night from Monday to yesterday. Several trucks were put to work to remove, bar after bar, the sixty or “Bingo” that are central to this case. Machines rather sophisticated, as they may appear as flippers “classics” which are authorized by law. “In the” Bingo “, the player acts on the machine. They can therefore be regarded as games of skill and as such can be operated in a bar where only games of chance are forbidden,” said a specialist slot machines. However, it is clearly forbidden to develop a system to gain money around these games. “In games of skill, the gain can not be in the form of free games, and yet not more than five,” says the specialist.

System profit
This explains in part the length of the police investigation which found its conclusion Monday. He was successful in proving that a system of money earnings had grown up around these machines. A profit, estimated on average to 3000 euros a month per machine, to be divided between the bar owner and installer. Assuming that the latter has just taken half the profits, it is (based on about sixty machines) a monthly income of 90000 euros. Net of taxes and other taxes, of course. We understand that the IRS was involved in the interruption of this traffic rather profitable.

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A STUDY BY QUEBEC

The presence of a casino in the neighborhood does not in any way increase the number of pathological gamblers, concludes a study conducted by researchers at the School of Psychology at Laval University.

“It’s very surprising and believe me, we were the first surprised,” admitted Professor Robert Ladouceur during the presentation of study findings Wednesday at a news conference in Quebec.

Attached to the Quebec Centre of Excellence for the prevention and treatment of the game, Ladouceur professor and doctoral student and researcher Christian Jacques followed a group of 810 people in the Gatineau region before the opening of the Casino du Lac- Leamy, then one, three and five years after its opening. The research results are contrary to conventional wisdom.

“In terms of gambling, our study demonstrates that the rate remained stable at around 0.8 percent. The location of the casino has not increased the number of problem gamblers, “said Ladouceur.

In this perspective, Quebec is in the same current that all industrialized societies, where the data indicate that about one percent of adults have problems with compulsive gambling, compulsive or excessive.

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The Farmer’s Wife Company of the Municipal Casino of Cannes has increased its volume of business through the development of battery Princes Casino Barrière. But the activity of the Casino Croisette and hotels Majestic and Gray d’Albion is declining. 2006 should not raise the tone.

2006 outlook bleak for the Group SFC MC Lucien Barriere (Farmer Society of Municipal Casino in Cannes), which operates two casinos (440 slot machines), two hotels (Majestic Barrière and the Gray d’Albion) and an upscale restaurant (Villa Les Lys) on the Croisette. The company, which recently presented the accounts of its fiscal year ended October 31, 2005, achieved a turnover (revenue before harvesting and state policy) certainly rose to € 124.9 million (+5% over the previous year). But this increase is due to the opening and operation since March 3, 2005 Activity Slots Casino Barriere Princes and a full year of operation of table games in this casino opened at the Noga Hilton Cannes. This has helped offset the decline in activity of the Casino Croisette and the decline in sales of hotels.

Plan to safeguard jobs at the Casino Croisette

If the results are experiencing strong growth, this is not due to a strong market recovery. The SFC MC explained by efforts on the charges and dispositions of non-strategic assets. The group also launched a “plan to safeguard jobs at the Casino Barrière de Cannes Croisette” which saw its business volume to decline by 15% in 5 years. The plan provides for voluntary departure in a device that extends until April 2006. The renovation of the Gray d’Albion were, meanwhile, postponed. For the postponement was made before the decision to postpone the work Cannes extension of his palace festivals.

For 2006, the SFC MC remains very cautious. She believes that the leisure and tourism sector has low growth prospects, that the activity Slots is decreasing in the Cannes market and in the region and other table games are expected to stagnate. Not enough to generate enthusiasm for the group that should push the action to reduce structural costs in the absence of hope to accelerate the activity.

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Dominique Desseigne, the chairman of the supervisory board of the group, believes that society must balance his time between France and abroad. This could build on Accor and Colony Capital to set up projects abroad.

Groupe Lucien Barrière SAS, a leading European operators in the casino industry and operates hotels and upmarket restaurants, wants to accelerate its international expansion. “We need to balance activity” between France and abroad, believes Dominique Desseigne, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and its Strategic Committee, head of the family fence-Desseigne, holder of 51% stake in the company alongside Accor (34%) and Colony Capital (15%).

The demand is sluggish in France for several years on a comparable basis, while operators have to bear high taxes and ever greater investments, while facing competition from the French Games and the PMU. Groupe Lucien Barriere has seen its gross sales increase by 1.6% to 1.015 billion euros in fiscal year 2004-2005 (ending late October) of which 923 million in France (+0.8%) and 92 million abroad (+9.2%), where it enjoys the success of the Montreux Casino in Switzerland, its second facility in the amount of income after that of Enghien.

Dominique Desseigne does not hide his interest in Switzerland, Slovenia and the United Kingdom, and believes that her group also “look” to South America and Asia. It also stresses that it can rely on Accor and Colony Capital to set up projects abroad: both partners would be involved as investors, acting as a barrier operator with a possible participation.

In the immediate future, the group nonetheless continues to expand its activities in France. It has thus been retained by Blotzheim in Alsace to build and operate a facility of 3,500 square meters, whose opening is planned for late 2007. It can operate up to 350 slot machines. On the other hand, the officer “high hopes” of the measures recently adopted by the government as part of a protocol on “the promotion of responsible gaming.” In addition to monitoring players’ identity, to be implemented no later than November 1, the document provides for the abolition on 1 May of stamp duty on table games, losing ground for years, and a relief regulatory constraints of farmers.

The company entered into an agreement to sell its Casino Hossegor (Landes) Group Hirigoyen. The company, which must divest two establishments in France under the authorization of the DGCCRF on its creation in 2004 by merger between Accor Casinos and the Barrier Group (excluding Farmer Cannes), is separate from another site in the Southeast. Both transactions are expected to bring him a total of about 90 million.

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The group Partouche is trying to sell his shares in the SFC , a holding where there are casinos and New Gruissan. For the Phoebus, which boasts more than ever the concept of leisure complex, nothing really changes.

The chips are down … Following a protocol established 18 January last, the casino at The Phoebus Gruissan not set sail under the banner of the group Partouche . No revolution so far, “for Gruissan, nothing changes. Moreover, we have never been a real casino group Partouche , “says soon Daniel Reyna, the CEO of the entity-gruissano nouvelloise.

For the simple reason that casinos Gruissan (and that of New Port), Agadir Morocco, Châtelguyon (with extra for the spa and hotel), have never ceased to be an integral part of SFC , the French Society of casinos , a holding company chaired by Pascal Pessiot.

It is in this holding that the group Partouche in fact held 55.55% shares.

However, Partouche just absorb the group Didot-Bottin and, in turn, wishes to withdraw from some casinos, where the sale of shares to Group Head in the Clouds, a group created several years ago by former champion Alain Prost F1 world (which, since its head is longer), a group specializing in big games and videos with several rooms in Paris, where these games are in the spotlight.

In late April, the last time, this change should be effective, Head in the Clouds while holding 55.55% stake in the SFC where it seems that Pascal wants to boost Pessiot another philosophy, another strategy.

100 slot machines before the summer Gruissan

Admittedly, the main activity of a casino is the game, or rather the games, with – mostly – slot machines, the famous one-armed bandits. And the casino who owns 90 Gruissan expected before the summer, go to 100 machines, which does not mean Daniel Reyné Phoebus noted that the casino is not a “pure player”: “Our slogan is also “purely entertaining,” and we do not hesitate to say, come to the casino, you do not have to play. If the visitor is playing is a plus, but this should not be the whole time his first step. ”

A boutique hotel with themed rooms, a restaurant’s reputation rather flattering, pub-karaoke, a swimming pool on sunny days income, and soon an “event space”, the CEO of Gruissan and New Port likes to recall that Le Phoebus can claim the term leisure complex. “The area event (note: the nightclub has been deleted) will accommodate up to 200 people for seminars, weddings, parties partners … This beautiful hall will be open for Easter, in principle, and this autonomous space have a laboratory to accommodate caterers. If customers wish, for instance, that Mark Schwall (Ed.: Cooks wine shops) to make the kitchen, there will be an entire space available to it. ” Meanwhile, in April (or May) is very good news could affect the Casino Nova, “the record is filed, for 50 machines.

The Interior Ministry will issue does the precious?

Under the banner of Partouche , or not, games are made, and for now everything is fine.

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FREIBURG – Active in the manufacture and operation of slot machines, the company Fribourg Proms was bought in January by the Russian company KSI. It still employs 40 people cons about 180 in 2004.

“Life is getting rosier for Proms,” said Yves Buchheim, spokesman for the company, referring to a media information Fribourg. Leader of slot machines outside casinos, the Russian company has purchased 51% of the Proms.

KSI has installed in Russia no less than 51,000 machines, “says Buchheim. It has already expanded its operations in the Czech Republic and Romania and is counting on him to open the Proms European market.

Hope is a new permit for Proms after years “very difficult”. Since the change in federal legislation in early 2005 on the games, slots gambling are no longer allowed in cafes and gaming centers. Only devices using the address, unpopular client, are tolerated.

The passage of the gambling machines to machines address dealt a terrible blow to the Proms. But it was not the only one to suffer.

Escor its competitor, located in Guin (FR), has also suffered from the change of rules. The company which employed over 120 people in 2004 saw its headcount melt like snow in the sun.

Last August, it sold its Golden Games industry slot machines in cafés and its gaming Playland in Lucerne, Aarau Spreitenbach (AG). The buyer took over Schwyz total of 41 employees of Escor, fifteen to Guin (FR).

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Despite strict regulation, the casino industry quietly trace its path in Morocco. These places of tourist activities raise many fantasies. Projector.

Mirage Casino in Agadir. Like most casinos in the world, here, past the guards and the impressive entrance leads to the gambling rooms, we go into another universe, with its codes and regulations. Alcohol, free flowing. This is the best way to keep for a long time before the players table games in principle, Moroccans and Muslims are not entitled. “But how to recognize the Muslim and the Jew orthodox, questioned Moulay Mustapha, the commercial director of La Mamounia?

At the Mirage, as elsewhere, the checks are not accepted, unless a bank guarantee. And even if this condition is met, the managers remain intransigent in amounts exceeding 100,000 dirhams. By cons, cash and credit cards used by tourists are welcome. No trace. This is the principle of the games industry, an industry that serves as a bridge between the informal channels and legal channels. The reputation of “washing machine” that sticks to some of these places may be oversized, but not entirely unfounded, says a regular night Gadir. Only 40% of revenue would be reported. What is good at protecting the managers.

Most of the managers interviewed dodge the issue, embarrassing revenue. Some admit that a casino is never lost in time, but that on one evening, when two or three great players make gains, it can threaten the financial stability of the group, especially if Start-ups, or running. The most famous case came one evening in Marrakech’s Eve, when two players have made a simultaneous gain of 1 million dirhams. The managers of places that should be also set the cost of conducting and promoting the banquet for the guests, have closed up shop tomorrow. Moral: the casinos remain a sensitive issue that, to turn, requires lean on solid structures. They are either luxury hotels, outfitters customer, either on a strong brand. Affiliated group Partouche , the Mirage casino has apparently opted for the latter solution. In fact, the license is held by a person of French nationality, which was bought in 2005 by former owner, namely the company Club Med. The buyer is associated with the French group Partouche , which funded machines and table games. As for the room, it remains the property of Valtur. But in this association, everyone finds his profit. Every night, closing the accounts are submitted to the owner in France via the Internet. Clients Valtur and Club Med are a place of relaxation tailored. Here the setting does not exceed 200 dirhams. What scares the pros, devotees of big jackpots, but not the elderly who find some comfort. Despite the brand Partouche , Mirage would experience some financial difficulties. The owner is in negotiations to sell the case to a senior French financier, known to the world of wines and champagnes. The conclusions which were to culminate in November were delayed. He is former director of the institution acting as go-between in negotiations. After a journey that led to Romania, South Africa and Germany, this professional casino hopes to make his bundle in Agadir. The negotiations should lead to the end of this month. The proliferation of casinos in Agadir obviously stirs competition. A true battle is waged between the various places of play addition Shem’s, run by the family Corsica Franscesu which also holds the casino located on Boulevard Osman in Paris, and a Circle of Games in the vicinity of the Champs Elysees. Does that has not been said that Shem’s Casino in Agadir and its managers!

Regulation of variable geometry

In France, the regulation is clear. No roulette in a city like Paris, the economic capital. In doing so, the legislature seeks at all costs to avoid any intimacy between the clean money and dirty money. In Belgium it is forbidden to play in his hometown. The Brussels can go play in Antwerp or Liège, far from his family. In Turkey, since 1998, the casinos are quite limited. In Morocco, a circular time governance Youssoufi specifies the locations of casinos. Clarification in passing that the monopoly which certain cities Mohammedia is no longer appropriate. A proposed regulations conducted in consultation with content casino French had been committed. Most recently, management of facilities and investments had to show its interest in the record. But compared to the current regulations, taxes are arranged as follows: 7% of proceeds go to benefit the FAR (Royal Armed Forces), 7% for the Entraide Nationale and 6% for the municipality. Then a tax is applied in proportion to the turnover. Surprise those who say small turnover (between 5 and 60 million dirhams) pay a high fee. In addition, the rate is more lenient. Such provisions are made, according to a Department of Tourism, to enable real casinos to prosper and not to encourage adventurers.

The casinos remain a matter related to tourism development. A significant factor in animation. Moreover, according to information, Kerzner International, the consortium leader wire in place for the management of the station Mazagan would have required exclusivity over 130 km in the wake of the Casablanca-Rabat.

Business is visible. The institution already has one of the largest gambling halls of the place, and a restaurant (the Cocteau) holds well, began its expansion. The novelty is the recent introduction of tables Pocker Vegas, unique place, according to managers. Here, development is aligned to 2000 dirhams, the same as the Dorint Atlantic Palace casino, run by a Romanian professional. Accustomed to large accounts, the Dorint placing on service quality. The game is a vice for life, the client player is treated like a king with food, cigarettes and often some free handouts. The regulars are eligible for loans. And the casino and the Dorint Atlantic Palace Movenpick Tangier belong to one company, run by a Jew and a Turk. This explains the similarities in the bids of the two remote locations of 600 kilometers. Driven by its casino, hotel reservation Movenpick Malabata treatment rewarding his players who, when they are passing, have free room and 1000 dirhams chips. The average customer pays his room and also benefits from 1,000 dirhams chips. Again as in Dorint, the customer is treated with all consideration, which told the president of the Association of the hotel industry in Tangier, that “thanks to the casino Movenpick, the Jet Set Mediterranean is rediscovering the city. ” This is one of the few places of entertainment of the Straits, which the small casino Sebta does not shade.

Common to all these different institutions, the presence of dealers Romanian, Russian and even Mauritius. Central figures in casinos, in general cruppers blondes and dealers are paid wages that would dream of some executives of our banks. In Saadi, Romanians earn between 6500 and 8000 dirhams, against 5000 for the Moroccan Dirham. The staff also makes up 40% gratuity. The rest of that goes to pay for the food and liquor served free. At Casino Shems, dealers are not entitled to gratuity but earning between 11,000 and 15,000 dirhams. At La Mamounia, the salaries are not far from 20,000 dirhams. Casino La Mamounia in Marrakech is by far the most prestigious. Has attracted celebrities from around the world, like Omar Sharif (a regular) the establishment, run by a Belgian who also holds business in Monaco, has managed to retain its standing. Not many people, most players take private tables, giving them the opportunity to start up to 5000 dirhams. As for the hotel casino Saadi, after passing through stewardship Italian, a transient phase of transformation into a theater, there it is again little by little, it must be stressed, small bets. The attendance at the institution is cosmopolitan.

How to obtain a license for casino?

In 1948, the first text on the casinos in Morocco. Family Bouchet (Casino Saadi in Marrakech), is granted an exclusive exploitation for a period of 75 years. But it was in November 1952, the family will celebrate its casino Bouchet. Four years later, independence, exclusivity is lifted. Precursor of casinos, the family invests Bouchet Mohammedia. Today, no text is passed by Parliament. Therefore, casinos are always managed by the circular boundary line does not exceed the Marrakesh, Tangier, Ouarzazate, Agadir and Mohammedia. The granting of the license is the responsibility of the prime minister who, to do so, consult with ministries of Tourism, Finance and Interior.

To obtain permission, the applicant goes through a veritable sieve. After approval in principle of the Prime Minister, the proponent must obey the conditions which are set. Agreements between the investor and the state must be a decree signed by the departments mentioned above. A final decree signed by the Ministry of Finance and the Interior Ministry has finally set a date for the opening.

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