Gambling, Friends, and Justice: The Poker Saga

French law is very conservative when it comes to gambling, and the government has long maintained a monopoly on it. Under the guise of protecting people from addiction, it was necessary to maintain exclusive control over the profits.

It was the Court of Justice of the European Union that bent the law—no doubt with the help of Eric Woerth, who had no personal interest in the matter…

Beyond online gambling sites, casinos are now popping up right in the heart of the city. The Paris Elysée Club is opening this week on Rue Marbeuf in Paris. Will these casinos—which are replacing the old gaming clubs with their scandal-ridden past—be enough to put an end to private gambling sessions?

The justice system doesn’t like private parties where too many shady currencies are mixed together.

 So the BRB’s “  are becoming more frequent, surveillance, wiretaps, interrogations, arrests—and then it’s game over: the money is seized, and the suspects are in police custody.

But after…

Classification without further action, a judicial investigation, or referral to the Court ?

All these procedures often result in cases being closed, dismissed, or acquitted because the law is punitive but strictly enforced, and if you know and follow the rules, you are protected.

Article L.324-1, paragraph 1, of the Internal Security Code stipulates that

“ Participating, including as a banker, in the operation of a gambling establishment open to the public, even when admission is contingent upon being introduced by a member, is punishable by three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 90,000 euros .”

Therefore, three criteria must be met to fall under the scope of the law :

• Gambling  : Is poker a game of chance  ? Enthusiasts will say no, but the Court of Cassation considers that, when it comes to Texas Hold’em and Omaha poker, it is a game in which luck predominates over skill and strategic thinking ! No need to take offense—this does not call into question the players’ intellectual abilities.
• Running a casino
• Opening to the public : that’s where the battle lies. Are your guests friends ? How were they invited ? Via email or text message ?

  Every detail counts.

  COM