In Enghien-les-Bains, France’s largest casino is preparing to take a new step forward. Buoyed by record growth and a sharp rise in visitor numbers, the Barrière establishment has announced ambitious plans, including the complete renovation of its Grand Hotel.
Enghien-les-Bains, France’s gambling capital
Located on the lakeside, around fifteen kilometres from Paris, the Barrière casino in Enghien-les-Bains is much more than just a place of entertainment. With 700,000 visitors a year, more than 500 slot machines and steadily increasing turnover, it is the largest casino in France and one of the most dynamic in Europe.
For those who have never set foot inside the Enghien casino, it is a striking discovery. Covering more than 2,000 m², the ground floor houses the gaming tables, a restaurant and exclusive areas reserved for the most frequent players. Upstairs, the spectacle is both auditory and visual: hundreds of colourful slot machines attract dozens of visitors, even on weekdays.
In 2024-2025, the establishment recorded exceptional growth of 6.5%, a figure well above the national average, which is stagnating at less than 2%.
“We have seen a 20% increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous financial year,” says Bruno Chauvin, managing director of the site and president of the resort.
Bruno Chauvin, who arrived on 1 April, is no novice. This hands-on manager has run no fewer than 16 casinos for the Barrière group before taking the reins at Enghien-les-Bains. His time in Deauville, among other places, has forged his reputation as an experienced manager.
Upon his arrival, he completely revamped the management committee.
“We have renewed the entire management committee team. It’s a breath of fresh air, a new dynamic that allows for more creativity in proposals.”
His ambition is clear: to transform the site into a benchmark, not only in France but also in relation to its European rivals, notably a highly competitive establishment in Cyprus.
A colossal hotel project
While the casino is running at full capacity, all eyes are now on the adjacent Grand Hotel. The project is still under consideration, but the management makes no secret of its ambitions: to completely renovate and expand.
From 72 rooms today, the establishment would expand to more than 100 suites and luxury rooms, with a complete renovation.
“We want to move into another dimension,” announces Bruno Chauvin.
No official date has been announced yet, but work should be completed before 2028. The project is part of a drive to attract an international clientele seeking high-end experiences.
Security and assaults
Despite its success, the complex was marred last May by two sexual assaults targeting hotel employees. One took place outside, when a drunk customer harassed an employee. The other occurred in the spa, where a practitioner was subjected to inappropriate demands from a customer.
Although these incidents occurred outside the gaming rooms, they raise questions about the overall security of the establishment. The director has promised to strengthen existing measures to protect both guests and employees.
Enghien-les-Bains, a model in transition
Between rapid growth, ambitious hotel projects, addiction prevention policies and security requirements, the Enghien-les-Bains casino illustrates the changes taking place in a sector seeking balance. In any case, the site’s management seems determined to make Enghien a model.