The Golden Palace group has officially obtained authorisation to operate a casino in Thonon-les-Bains. This ambitious project promises economic benefits, jobs and a new local dynamic.
After months of waiting and intense public debate, Golden Palace has announced that it has obtained its operating licence for the Thonon-les-Bains casino. This milestone, highlighted on its LinkedIn page, validates a long-standing ambition: to recreate a gaming offering compatible with the spa and tourist charm of Thonon-les-Bains.
Construction began this summer
On 25 June 2025, the laying of the foundation stone in the presence of local elected officials symbolised the realisation of a project that began in 2022, when the town of Thonon-les-Bains launched a call for expressions of interest. Among the candidates, Golden Palace was selected by the municipal council in June 2024.
Golden Palace presents this establishment as a casino of the future, the first casino in the world, according to the group, to aim for passive building certification.
Designed on a 6,000 m² former railway brownfield site near the station, the casino is expected to be integrated into a renewed urban hub, with partial renaturation of the site, green spaces, existing parking and multimodal accessibility.
In addition to the gaming room, slot machines, roulette tables, blackjack, poker and electronic games, the project includes a bistronomic restaurant, a bar, a rooftop terrace, an events space and a cultural programme (concerts, shows, evening events, etc.).
A real economic promise for the city
The expected benefits are significant: more than 70 direct jobs that cannot be relocated from the outset, an estimated 200,000 visitors per year, and a tax contribution to the municipality estimated at several million euros over 20 years.
The municipality also hopes to benefit from a revival in commercial and tourist activity, enhance its appeal as a spa and leisure destination, and convert an urban wasteland into a vibrant space.