Iconic French casino shuts down amid financial struggles

Historic Casino Victoria de Grasse closes after 128 years of operation

Casino Victoria de Grasse, a historic gambling venue near me, has shut its doors for good. The closure follows months of financial struggles, regulatory issues, and a strike by employees in early July. Built in 1895, the casino had long been a landmark in Grasse but faced mounting problems in recent years.

The casino's troubles began well before its final shutdown. In April 2022, the Regional Chamber of Accounts issued a critical report highlighting a €168,000 deficit. Performance continued to decline, with gross gaming revenue dropping to €676,490—a far cry from pre-pandemic levels. Visitor numbers also fell, leaving the venue ranked 199th among French casinos.

Regulatory concerns deepened in early July 2023 when the Directorate of Public Liberties and Legal Affairs (DLPAJ) revoked the casino's gaming licence. Officials cited multiple flaws in its operations, though specific details were not disclosed. Around the same time, Jérome Viaud, the mayor of Grasse, raised questions about the terms of the casino's public service delegation.

Workers, meanwhile, had grown increasingly frustrated. A one-day strike on June 10, 2023, saw staff protesting poor working conditions and ongoing dysfunctions. Many employees later claimed they were never formally informed of the decision to close. The casino, which offered 41 slot machines, four electronic roulette stations, and a single blackjack table, had already restricted access to visitors aged 18 and over.

By July 10, 2023, the final decision was made: Casino Victoria de Grasse would cease operations permanently.

The closure leaves Grasse without a key establishment that had stood for over a century. Employees now face uncertainty, while the town loses a historic venue tied to its tourism sector. The financial and regulatory failures that led to the shutdown highlight the challenges facing smaller casinos in France today.