France: Infiniti Casino group obtains licence to operate the Grasse casino in Alpes-Maritimes

Belgium's Infiniti Casino group has received the order allowing the operation of the Grasse casino in Alpes-Maritimes, France. Issued by the Directorate of Public Liberties and Legal Affairs (DLPAJ), the milestone positions Infiniti for the property's full reopening in January of next year. 

The Belgian group will operate the Riviera establishment until the end of its current concession, set for December 31, 2026. 

The approval authorizes up to two traditional games tables, including one installed, 50 slot machines, out of a potential of 75 if the two authorized traditional games tables are set up in the casino, and 30 electronic games stations, scalable in the limit of 45 if the two traditional games tables are in service in the establishment.

“It’s a feeling of relief and immense pride, we’ve been working on this file for a year and, more broadly, we plan to be active in France for much longer,” Jurgen De Munck, CEO of Infiniti Casino, told Journal des Casinos. The Belgian group also operates casinos in Ostend, Dinant, and Mexico.

“We are now in discussions with the various SFMs regarding the final validation of our order, which was on hold pending receipt of our license, as well as possible delivery dates. Based on our discussions with each of them, it seems that all the models desired for the casino are available. Therefore, we do not foresee any big problems with their supply,” De Munck added.

“This is excellent news,” said Jérôme Viaud, Mayor of Grasse, who personally defended the case. “This step, which is decisive for the economic and cultural development of our municipality, is the result of a determined collaboration and commitment by the municipality. In the coming weeks, the establishment is also committed to becoming a dynamic player in the cultural and event life of Grasse.”

Speaking about the personnel, De Muck said: “Several staff members have already received a promise of employment. We are still looking for some support, mainly for the kitchen and dining areas. We are resolutely confident and everything should go smoothly.”

The casino is now waiting for its deliveries and players. “The renovation work in the casino was more extensive than expected and we completely renovated the building, including a new kitchen. This makes us extremely proud and we are looking forward to the start and the real opening,” De Munck explained.

“We are planning to open during the month of January. An official inauguration will of course be organized, the date of which we will announce as soon as possible,” he announced.

The Infiniti group was appointed by the commercial court on November 20, 2023, to take over the casino, and then by the Grasse municipal council, a few days later, on December 5th. It took over the concession of the Victoria casino, which had seen its gaming authorization revoked by the DLPAJ in August 2023, due to various breaches which had led to the closure of the establishment.

During its last full financial year, in 2021-2022, the Grasse casino generated gross gaming revenue of 676,490 euros, allowing it to climb to 199th place in the French ranking.