Berck-sur-Mer casino remains closed amid bitter ownership dispute with Partouche
A long-running legal battle over the Berck-sur-Mer casino in northern France continues to disrupt operations and strain finances. The dispute between the city of Berck-sur-Mer and the Partouche Group has left the venue closed since 2019, affecting 39 employees and depriving the town of a key landmark. Both sides remain locked in disagreement over who rightfully owns the building.
The conflict centres on the principle of reversionary assets, a legal rule stating that certain municipal properties must return to public ownership once a private operator's contract ends. The city insists the casino building should have reverted to its control after the agreement expired. The Partouche Group counters that it legally acquired the property in 1997 and that the reversionary rule cannot be applied retroactively.
The city has escalated the matter by appealing to the prefect to refer it to the Court of Jurisdictional Disputes. No ruling has yet been issued, leaving the casino's future uncertain.
Meanwhile, the prolonged closure has taken a financial toll. Partouche's annual revenue has flatlined between €600–650 million since 2019, with net profits falling to €45 million in 2024 due to legal costs and regulatory pressures. In contrast, rivals like Groupe Barrière and JOA (owned by Groupe Le Parisien) have thrived, reporting revenues of €1.1 billion and €750 million respectively in 2024—both growing steadily through diversification.
Despite the setback, Partouche saw a 5.1% rise in gross gaming revenue in 2025, reaching €748.3 million. The company is also pushing ahead with expansion plans, including a relocation of its Parisian Gaming Club to a larger venue in 2026. Renovations are underway at several other casinos, such as Saint Amand-les-Eaux, Forges-les-Eaux, and the Cannes 50 Croisette location.
The Berck-sur-Mer casino remains shuttered as the legal standoff drags on. With 39 staff still out of work and the city missing a major attraction, the outcome of the jurisdictional appeal will determine whether the venue reopens under municipal or private control. The Partouche Group, while investing in growth elsewhere, continues to face financial pressure from the unresolved dispute.
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