Casinos : the new deal | Doc du dimanche | France 5

After slot machines were made legal in 1988, French casinos enjoyed a euphoric period, characterised by double-digit growth, which meant some family dynasties made a fortune. This was the case with the Partouches, Tranchants and Barrières, three families well ensconced in the very closed circle of the 200 biggest French fortunes. However, the golden age of the slot machine is coming to an end. The Gross Gaming Product, the indicator of the economic health of the casinos, is certainly continuing to rise, but its growth has never been so sluggish (1.5% last year). What secrets does the gaming industry hold to rejuvenate the slot machine customer base? What position will they take vis-à-vis the Internet and the liberalisation of online gambling? Who plays in casinos today and what damage is caused in France by abusive gambling? Gamblers, croupiers, heirs to the major groups or small independent casino operators… through a series of portraits this documentary plunges into the world of the casino. Far from the cliché image, it’s a panorama of a profession that has lost its sultry glamour and, probably, a little of its mystery and charm.