EPT Paris 2025 Poker Tournament Cancelled Due to Closure of Gambling Clubs in Paris

The European Poker Tour (EPT) stage in Paris has been canceled due to ongoing regulatory uncertainty in the French gambling industry. Organizers, including PokerStars and the Parisian gambling club Club Barrière, made this decision, as reported by Casino Beats.

Initially scheduled for February next year, EPT Paris 2025 had to be reconsidered by PokerStars and Club Barrière due to “unforeseen changes in French government policies.” The lack of venue availability made it impossible to host the poker tournament.

Starting from January 1, 2025, gambling clubs in the capital of France will be prohibited from operating. 

While traditional casinos have been absent in Paris since 1919, gambling clubs emerged later. In 2017, authorities banned them, allowing a few, including Club Barrière, to reopen in 2018 temporarily. The experiment was extended until the end of 2024, with the expectation of a law being passed to allow the clubs to operate permanently from 2026. However, the proposed bill was rejected.

Complicating the gambling landscape, France has seen conflicting steps to raise taxes for certain gambling entities. Initially rejected by lawmakers, these measures were eventually approved. Additionally, the French government’s plan to legalize online casinos faced opposition from land-based sector representatives, leading to a reconsideration of the decision.

PokerStars and Club Barrière expressed readiness to collaborate with French authorities in developing a more favorable regulatory framework. 

It’s worth noting the recent recognition of poker as a game of skill in official circles.