In Bagnères-de-Luchon, the casino remains controversial

Luchon will not have its casino in 2025. The city council’s decision, made in early July, left a feeling of unfinished business: 10 votes against, 9 in favour. This close result put the planned contract with the Golden Palace group on hold. Although Mayor Éric Azémar has already promised to revisit the issue at the end of August, confidence in the project’s viability remains fragile.

Social media generally in favour of the rejection

On the internet, the tone is rather conciliatory. Many internet users applauded the city council’s caution, believing that the gaming establishment should not be revived ‘at any cost’. This sentiment sums up a shared feeling: yes to a casino, but not if the financial balance depends on what is considered an excessive effort on the part of the municipality. 

Shopkeepers see a missed opportunity

For professionals, the project’s demise feels like a lost bet. Tony, a restaurant owner, expresses his regret:

“It would be really nice to have a casino again. It would bring a different kind of clientele to Luchon, with good purchasing power, who could stay for longer periods. And it would also allow local people who go to Barbazan to gamble to stay in Luchon, as quite a few of them travel there…”

Frédéric, a newcomer who has just bought a business, agrees:

“Having just arrived in Luchon and bought a business here, I think the return of the casino would be a good thing. It could bring new customers to hotels and restaurants and help the town grow.”

These comments highlight fears of a loss of revenue at a time when Luchon is seeking to revitalise its appeal to tourists.

An alternative solution: renegotiate

Amidst this debate, some residents are taking a more nuanced position. Freddy, a former shopkeeper, envisages another way forward:

“I think we should negotiate. The casino operator should pay for the work, and in exchange, the town could charge very low rents for several years. That would seem more balanced to me.”

This proposal sounds like a compromise: attracting private investment without risking public finances.

The question remains: would Golden Palace agree to revise its terms?

Critical voices: ‘A utopia’

On the other hand, some residents consider the project unrealistic. Claude Haffner, a retiree, does not mince his words:

“I simply think that Luchon can no longer afford to have a casino. The town would have to invest more than €3 million, while the casino operator would set up shop in the Pavillon Normand for three years. If it doesn’t get the return it expects, it could pull out, leaving the town with the work it has done! No, the risk is too great, and I think the elected representatives did the right thing by voting against it. We will have to take a hard look at the city’s budget before the prefecture sends us civil servants to manage it all!”

A decisive August for the future of the budget

While tourists stroll through the market aisles or enjoy the surrounding mountains, elected officials know that the holidays will be short-lived. The political agenda already includes a return to the city council.

Two issues are likely to be explosive: the casino, of course, but also the budgetary changes imposed by the regional audit office.

The Luchon casino is no ordinary project. It is part of a long history: that of a once-prosperous spa town, which is now seeking to regain its prestige.