France’s parliament recently approved a law that will enable two equestrian-focused towns in the country to build casinos. These casinos will serve as a means to generate funding for horse-related projects and support the local horse industry. The move is expected to create new jobs and provide indirect benefits to the regions.
The town of Arnac-Pompadour, known for its renowned equestrian event grounds, is set to be one of the beneficiaries of this new legislation. The mayor of Arnac-Pompadour, Alain Tisseuil, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that the casino would not only provide significant revenue but also create employment opportunities for the community. With the council initiating the tender process, the hope is to have a casino operating within the next couple of years.
The decision to allow equestrian towns in France to build casinos has been met with great enthusiasm by supporters who believe it will bring progress and success to the area. Frédérique Meunier, a member of parliament representing Les Républicains, expressed her relief, stating that the equestrian industry has been saved, and consequently, the region as well.
As she explains, without the equestrian industry, the region would suffer greatly due to the absence of other major attractions such as thermal baths or beaches. However, she also criticized the government for its decreased involvement in the equestrian industry, which has led to financial difficulties for institutions like the Institut français du Cheval et de l’Équitation (IFCE), responsible for managing the le Haras national de Pompadour.
While the plan to allow equestrian towns to build casinos has received overwhelming support, some concerns have been raised. Laurent Alexandre, an MP from La France Insoumise, expressed his reservations regarding the potential negative impacts on public health.
He argued that opening a casino solely due to a lack of funding could lead to an increase in gambling addictions and adversely affect the well-being of individuals.
Apart from Arnac-Pompadour, the town of Saumur in the Maine-et-Loire department is the only other location in France that meets the criteria to be considered an “equestrian town.”
Saumur is home to several horse-related establishments, including the Cadre Noir, the national riding school, and the IFCE. Catherine Deroche, a Senator representing Maine-et-Loire, played a crucial role in advancing the bill in the Senate. However, the impact of the new legislation is expected to be limited, as Saumur is currently the only other town eligible to build a casino.
