Joa making progress with Saumur casino build
Since the end of 2024, workers have been busy on the construction site of the future casino in Saumur (Maine-et-Loire). All that remains of the former Le Palace cinema is the listed façade.
The municipality and the Joa group, which was awarded the 20-year concession to operate the gaming establishment, reached a new symbolic milestone with the laying of the foundation stone on Thursday, June 5.
As reported by Journal des Casinos, the Lyon-based group is investing €8m in the construction of this 2,100 m² casino, for which it will pay the town hall an annual occupancy fee of €120,000. From the opening on March 26, 2026, on the upper floor of the building, no fewer than 125 slot machines, seven electronic Blackjack stations, 10 electronic English roulette stations, four traditional gaming tables (blackjack, roulette, poker), a Sports Bar with 30 seats and a full range of snacks will welcome visitors. The ground floor will house a restaurant with 80 seats, a lounge bar and a modular entertainment area of 150 m2. In addition, 67 permanent jobs will be created with the opening of the casino, which, in its visual identity, will pay tribute to the equestrian heritage of Saumur.
“The future Saumur casino will reflect the best of our expertise, in a warm, accessible, and festive atmosphere. It will reflect the “new generation” Joa casinos, namely a true leisure and entertainment venue where 50 per cent of the space is dedicated to gaming and 50 per cent to entertainment. The laying of the foundation stone is an important moment in the construction phase. It comes after a decisive milestone in the project: obtaining the gaming license on May 16th, which marks the start of the casino’s life,” said Laurent Lassiaz, President of the Joa Group.
“It took our city 30 years to obtain authorisation to build a casino. Today, with the laying of this foundation stone and obtaining the gaming license, we are in the final stretch! This project reflects the ambition we have for our city.” Through it, 67 direct jobs will be created, tens of thousands of additional tourists, new tax revenues will be paid to our community and an equestrian identity will be enhanced,” said Jacky Goulet, the mayor of Saumur.
