Partouche reopens the Casino de Calais after a €3m renovation

Partouche reopened the Casino de Calais after more than a year and a half of works; the intervention cost €3m and included an expansion of 164 m² presented to group management and numerous guests. The investment allocated €500,000 to the purchase of new slot machines and electronic roulette terminals; the gaming floor now offers 75 slot machines, 24 electronic gaming stations and two traditional blackjack tables.

## Renovation of the Casino de Calais: scope and key figures

The work at the Calais venue focused on creating a new entrance, increasing the gaming surface, renewing the slot offering and modernising the dining areas. The project was executed over more than a year and a half and the total budget reached €3m, of which €500,000 was invested specifically in new equipment: slot machines and electronic roulette terminals.

The gaming inventory was configured with 75 slot machines, 24 electronic gaming stations —including seven electronic blackjack terminals— and two traditional blackjack tables. The expansion delivered an additional 164 m² intended to reorganise customer flow and integrate dining into the gaming route.

## Design and customer experience after the renovation

The remodel aimed to modernise the venue without losing the familiar atmosphere that, according to management, identifies the establishment. Casino director Jack-Ary Hamo told Journal des Casinos that customers are "delighted with the change and thrilled by the new décor and the new range of games we now offer them." Management's message emphasises the combination of aesthetic renovation and an expanded gaming offer to maintain customer loyalty.

The redesigned entrance aims to ease access and improve reception, while the layout of machines and electronic terminals was reorganised to create areas differentiated by intensity of play and by customer type.

## New food offer: Bistrot Le Touquet and Brasserie des Jeux

The casino's catering was also completely renewed and now features two complementary spaces for visitors. On one side, Bistrot Le Touquet offers a table format designed for family or friends' meals; on the other, Brasserie des Jeux, located in the heart of the machines area, serves those looking for a break during their visit.

Both offers aim to increase the customer's average dwell time and provide spending alternatives that do not compete with the gaming experience but complement it. Integrating restaurant and gaming floor has become a recurrent element in casino modernisation projects in France and other markets.

## Operational results since reopening and position in the French market

Since reopening the renovated areas, casino management has recorded an attendance increase of 4.97% in the immediate period after reopening. In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, Partouche's Calais casino reported a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €6.46m, placing it in position 124 in the French ranking.

That numerical positioning provides a reference for the operational size of the casino within the French market and serves as an indicator to compare performance before and after the €3m investment.

## Implications for operators and priorities in renovations

The Calais project illustrates several practical priorities for operators considering similar works: allocate explicit budget lines for equipment (here, €500,000 for machines and terminals), plan space redistribution —the expansion was 164 m²— and combine architectural improvements with complementary service offers such as catering. Relevant operational lessons can be referenced on the [casino](/casino) section of this site for operators evaluating comparable upgrades.

In Partouche's case, customer communication and operational continuity during the works were central components. Management opted for a phased reopening of areas, which made it easier to measure public reaction —attendance rose 4.97% after completing the renovation—.

"Our customers are delighted with the change and thrilled by the new décor and the new range of games we now offer them," said Jack-Ary Hamo, director of the Partouche Casino in Calais, to Journal des Casinos.

## What to watch after the investment

In the short and medium term, indicators to watch are the evolution of gross gaming revenue relative to the 2024-2025 figure (€6.46m) and the variation in national ranking (currently 124th). It will also be relevant to monitor the revenue mix between slot bets, electronic terminals and catering, and whether the additional 4.97% footfall translates into higher GGR per visitor.

For operators and equipment suppliers, the Calais operation reinforces demand for modern electronic terminals and for integration solutions between the gaming floor and catering. The case can serve as a reference for projects in France and other European markets.

— Alejandro Vidal, Casino Correspondent