France is one the most advanced countries in the world and easily one of
the leading nations in Europe. Though it had to nurse financial and
psychological wounds from the vagaries of the World Wars, the progress
it has made since then is remarkable. Its reconciliation and friendship
with Germany has proved to be a boon to the economic integration of
Europe, not to mention the introduction of a common currency, the Euro.
The nation, nestled in the Mediterranean region, has one of the best
climates in the world. You will find nothing but romance in the weather
here, with cool winters and mild summers. It is rich in minerals like
coal, bauxite, uranium and iron. The main language spoken is French and
the most broadly followed religion is Roman Catholicism. The Capital
city is Paris and the country has 22 administrative regions. The modern
economy of the nation is well handled by the government, which has also
privatized a lot of large companies and banks.
The country has ensured low income taxes and has also introduced
measures to reduce income disparity, boost employment and infuse healthy
competition and progress in the economy. With lot of wealth and a
healthy income pouring in, visiting the casinos is one of the most
pursued pastimes of the French.
There are 180 licensed French casinos. There are two groups that lead
the race - one is the traditional Partouche and the other is a global
giant hotel and leisure company, Accor, which has joined hands with
Groupe Lucien Barriere. It is said that there are about 210,000
professional employees involved in French casinos.
The Partouche, in spite of the Accor/Barriere merger, is the major
company, having 51 casinos with 7 more outside of France. Though it
proclaims itself as the biggest casino driver in the world, the Groupe
Barriere/ Accor, after the merger, is probably just now giving the
Partouche a run for its money. The Partouche has recently taken over
Europeene de Casinos. Its biggest French casino is Charbonnieres.
The other French casino giant, Groupe Lucien Barriere /Accor, initially
had 40 casinos but because of its merger, "Accor" now proudly proclaims
itself as the biggest casino operator in the world. After the merger,
the number has advanced to 60. The Accor, which employs about 159,000
workers, is responsible for 28% of the total French market.
Approximately 65 million people visit French casinos every year. You can
understand the dominance and aura of the French casinos in the roots of
the French psyche. It is quite normal to hear full throated laughter, a
gentle chuckle and a winsome giggle at a French casino after the whirl
and click of a slot machine.
