Best Casinos in Paris
Technically, there are no casinos inside Paris. French law has long kept traditional casinos out of the capital, so gambling in the city takes place in licensed gaming clubs (clubs de jeux): stylish venues with live table games and poker run by croupiers, but no slot machines. The closest full casino, with slots and roulette, is the Casino Barriere in Enghien-les-Bains, about 15 km north of Paris.
For most visitors, the best options are Club Barriere Paris and Paris Elysee Club near the Champs-Elysees, Club Pierre Charron in the 8th arrondissement and Club Circus Paris in the 16th, plus a trip to Enghien-les-Bains if you want the full casino experience.
Casinos vs gaming clubs in Paris
Under a law dating back to 1907, casinos in France were only allowed in seaside, spa and resort towns, which is why famous casinos are found in places like Deauville, Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo rather than Paris. The capital historically had private gambling circles (cercles de jeux), but these were shut down in the 2010s after several scandals.
In 2018 a new framework allowed regulated gaming clubs to open in Paris. The main differences from a casino:
- Table games only: poker (cash games and tournaments), blackjack, punto banco (baccarat), Ultimate Poker, Stud Poker and similar games. No slot machines.
- No membership needed: the old circles required paid membership; today’s clubs are open to adult visitors, though some run loyalty programs.
- ID required: you must be 18 or over and show valid photo ID (a passport for most foreign visitors) at the entrance.
- Late hours: most clubs open from around midday or early afternoon until 6 am.
Several venues listed in older guides, such as the Aviation Club de France, Cercle Haussmann and Clichy Montmartre, have closed. The Champs-Elysees building of the Aviation Club now houses Club Barriere Paris.
The best gaming clubs in Paris
Club Barriere Paris (Champs-Elysees)
Run by the Barriere group, which owns many of France’s best-known casinos, this club occupies a prime address at 104 Avenue des Champs-Elysees. It has around 27 tables, including a large poker area with cash games and regular tournaments, plus blackjack, punto banco and Ultimate Poker. Its restaurant overlooks the gaming room, and there is a bar for a drink before or after you play. It is the most polished choice for first-timers.
Paris Elysee Club
Located on Rue Marbeuf in the Golden Triangle, just off the Champs-Elysees, this club focuses on casino-style table games such as punto banco, Poker 21 and Ultimate Poker, some with progressive jackpots. It is a good option if you prefer table games to poker.
Club Pierre Charron
Also in the 8th arrondissement, on Rue Pierre Charron, this upscale club has around 27 tables, with a strong poker offer (cash games at different stakes and tournaments) alongside blackjack, punto banco, Stud Poker and Texas Hold’em. Extras include a bistro-style restaurant, a cigar lounge and private rooms for high-stakes games.
Club Circus Paris
On Boulevard Murat in the 16th arrondissement, near Porte d’Auteuil, Club Circus has around 30 tables and is popular with poker players for its regular tournaments. It is less glamorous than the Champs-Elysees clubs but has a lively, local feel.
Partouche Casino Club
Operated by the Partouche group, this is one of the largest gaming clubs in Paris, with dozens of tables for poker and classic table games, including craps, which is rarely found elsewhere in the city. It also has a bar, dining and big screens for sports.
Smaller clubs: Club Montmartre and Imperial Club
Club Montmartre on Rue de Clichy (9th arrondissement) and the Imperial Club in the Asian quarter of the 13th arrondissement are more relaxed, with lower stakes. They suit casual players who want a game without the Champs-Elysees atmosphere.
A real casino near Paris: Enghien-les-Bains
If you want slot machines, roulette and a classic casino night, head to the Casino Barriere d’Enghien-les-Bains, on the shore of a lake in a small spa town north of Paris. It is the only casino in the Ile-de-France region and one of the biggest in France, with hundreds of slot machines, more than 40 gaming tables, restaurants, bars and a theater.
- Getting there: take a Transilien line H train from Paris Gare du Nord to Enghien-les-Bains (around 15 to 20 minutes), then walk a few minutes to the lake.
- Entry: adults only, valid photo ID required, and an admission fee applies.
- Hours: slots open from the morning until late at night and table games from the afternoon; check current hours before you go.
Quick comparison
| Venue | Type | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Club Barriere Paris | Gaming club | Champs-Elysees (8th) | First-timers, poker, dinner and games |
| Paris Elysee Club | Gaming club | Golden Triangle (8th) | Table games with jackpots |
| Club Pierre Charron | Gaming club | 8th arrondissement | Upscale poker and cigar lounge |
| Club Circus Paris | Gaming club | 16th arrondissement | Poker tournaments |
| Partouche Casino Club | Gaming club | Northwest Paris | Large choice of tables, craps |
| Casino Barriere d’Enghien-les-Bains | Full casino | Enghien-les-Bains (15 km north) | Slots, roulette, a full casino night |
Tips for visiting a casino or gaming club in Paris
- Bring your passport. Entry is refused without valid ID, and you must be 18 or older.
- Dress smart casual. There is rarely a strict dress code, but sportswear and flip-flops are best avoided.
- Learn the local names. Baccarat is usually played as punto banco, and English roulette is the common roulette variant at Enghien.
- Check tournament schedules online if you want to play poker, as popular events fill up.
- Set a budget and stick to it. Gambling should be entertainment. If it stops being fun, the French support service Joueurs Info Service offers free, confidential help.
Want to make it a night out? See our guides to the best things to do in Paris at night and nightlife in Paris. If you are planning a gambling trip further afield, our list of the best casinos in France covers famous venues on the Riviera and beyond, including Monte Carlo.
Summary
Paris has no casinos in the legal sense, but it does have a handful of regulated gaming clubs offering poker and table games until the early hours, led by Club Barriere Paris, Paris Elysee Club, Club Pierre Charron and Club Circus Paris. For slot machines and roulette, take the short train ride to the Casino Barriere in Enghien-les-Bains. Bring your passport, check current opening hours and play responsibly.
