The Cabourg casino leaves the seafront for a larger and more playful setting

The jackpot will no longer resonate with the sound of the waves. The more than century-old casino in Cabourg (Calvados) has left the famous Grand Hôtel to reopen a little further inland, in a brand new circular building. An express move, in one night, to make the slot machines jingle from April 28. “I’m a little nostalgic for the seaside but I was curious to come and see,” says a player, who has a second home in Cabourg. “It’s more spacious,” says another, who hasn’t yet gone all the way around the owner.

With 2,700 m2, half of which is dedicated to gaming, the new casino makes room for new features: “25 more slot machines, or 100, an ultimate poker table, around ten additional electronic roulette wheels, a smoking terrace with games,” says Damien Langeois, sales representative for Partouche, the operator, in Cabourg. Added to this is what the seaside location did not offer: free parking.

“Today’s player is no longer way James Bond »

This little revolution is not trivial. “We have absolutely all types of players, young and old, residents or tourists,” explains the salesperson. Our idea is to stand out. This casino is really designed for players. Moving away from the sea is no obstacle. The opening is thunderous, we are renewing our customers, it’s a new lease of life. »

A way to adapt to a new era. “Today’s player is no longer way James Bond. We have people who like discretion,” says Mayor Emmanuel Porcq. Players who come purely for the game and the essential slot machines, “the sinews of war”, smiles Damien Langeois.

The town hall renegotiated its fee

A new impetus which led Partouche and the town hall, owner of the walls, to conclude an upgraded agreement: “We received 150,000 euros in royalties previously. The new contract, signed in 2024, is for 620,000 euros, indicates the councilor. As well as 15% of gaming proceeds, compared to 10% before.” Cabourg more than doubles the revenues from its casino, reaching two million euros in 2024, even before moving into the new setting. The city expands its budget thanks to this windfall. “The casino pays the casino”, image Emmanuel Porcq, who emphasizes that the municipality has not increased its property tax since 1997 thanks to this inflow of money.

And those most nostalgic for the Grand Hôtel can rest assured: the move will not cause the old premises to fall into oblivion. A restaurant will open in 2028 and the Italian theater in which the casino was located will be restored by 2030. A heritage jackpot, too.