Operator News
France – Jaar Group reopens Lamalou-les-Bains following closure in 2015
By Phil - 13 November 2023
The Lamalou-les-Bains casino rose from its ashes and reopened its doors to the public on Friday November 3, eight years after its closure in 2015.
It was a reopening which took place in complete discretion, but which will bring a breath of fresh air to the small Hérault village of 2,500 souls. Its official inauguration took place on November 10 with the Jaar group, benefiting from a public service delegation for a period of 15 years, appointed to operate it.
“We are very satisfied to reopen the Lamalou-les-Bains casino,” rejoices José Gimenez, president and CEO of the Jaar group, contacted by the Journal des Casinos, Friday November 10. “There was real anticipation around this reopening, since, over the weekend of November 3, we recorded 690 entries. The week that followed was also excellent. It’s very promising,” he said to Journal des Casinos. “The casino is located in the heart of the city center of this town renowned for its thermal cures and its rehabilitation center. Lamalou also has a hospital and two clinics. This represents more than 1,000 health personnel who go there every day. Added to this are visitors from the sick or seniors from the retirement home.”
He expected gross annual revenue from the games to be between €800,000 and €1m each year.
To contribute to this reopening, the town hall has released €400,000 to renovate the facade, the roof and the carpentry of the casino, abandoned since its closure.
As for the interior work, it was taken care of by the delegatee. “We carried out painting, plumbing and electrical work. We also changed the carpets,” Mr Gimenez said. “The casino currently houses 21 slot machines, including three brand new Aristocrat cabinets. We also have six electronic English roulette stations and a Boule 2,000 table. And we are waiting for the delivery of video pokers. Ultimately, the casino will have between thirty and forty machines.”
As for the restaurant, adjacent to the casino, it should open by the end of the year and will result in the hiring of 10 additional employees. “It’s a great tool, with a room that can accommodate around forty people and which has a terrace on which 100 guests can easily sit,” the CEO of the Jaar group said.
“This opening is very symbolic” explained Guillaume Dalery, the mayor. “It’s important for a spa resort like Lamalou-les-Bains. There are economic benefits, particularly for businesses, bars, restaurants and hotels. Additional entertainment for tourists, spa guests and locals who live here all year round.”
