EPT Paris 2025 Canceled Amid Regulatory Challenges

What’s Really Happening with EPT Paris?

The EPT Paris cancellation isn’t just about PokerStars hitting a roadblock; it’s tied to a much larger mess surrounding Paris’s “Clubs de Jeux,” the city’s exclusive table game venues. These gaming clubs, which replaced traditional “gaming circles” a few years ago, are suddenly facing closure at the end of this year. Why? Because their experimental operating phase is set to expire on December 31st — and there’s no one in power to renew it.

Here’s the kicker: France’s government is currently stuck in political gridlock. After the French National Assembly dissolved last June, the country hasn’t been able to pass a proper Finance Bill, which means there’s no budget and no framework to keep the gaming clubs running into 2025. Without this, these clubs could be forced to shut their doors indefinitely, leaving thousands of employees and major poker events like EPT Paris in limbo.

“This is an economic and social catastrophe. It’s psychologically tough for the teams. We are completely in the dark,” explained Christine Bonneau, managing director of Club Barrière, in an interview with Le Parisien. The Barrière group, which partners with PokerStars for EPT Paris, added, “Hundreds of jobs are at risk. We urge the future government to find a solution quickly.”

What’s at Stake?

The fallout isn’t just about the gaming clubs themselves; it’s a ripple effect. Around 1,500 jobs are tied to these venues, including 1,200 direct employees who may soon find themselves in technical unemployment. Then there are the events. Texapoker’s European Championship of Poker, set for early January, is already in doubt, and PokerStars had to make the tough call to cancel its February showcase.

It’s not just jobs and tournaments, either. Paris’s gaming clubs raked in €119 million in gross gaming revenue last year, contributing €40 million to state coffers. That’s serious cash, and losing it could drive gambling underground — something no one wants. Illegal games are harder to regulate, less safe, and won’t be helping France’s national debt any time soon.

Ironically, the government had been looking into ways to expand gambling opportunities, including legalizing online casinos, before everything went sideways. For now, those discussions are shelved, and industry leaders are left scrambling for answers.

A Glimmer of Hope?

There’s still a sliver of hope for Paris’s gaming clubs — and by extension, events like EPT Paris. A “special law” was recently introduced in the Council of Ministers to allow the state to collect taxes for 2025. While it doesn’t directly address gaming clubs, it shows that the government is at least trying to keep things running. Unfortunately, without any mention of extending the clubs’ licenses, stakeholders remain doubtful that a resolution will come before the December 31 deadline.

“The establishments, our lawyers, and our professional union are in contact with the ministries and are constantly engaging in discussions,” said Sébastien Leclercq, Country Manager for Circus Casino in France, on Dans le Carré. “But it seems complicated because there is no longer any law or money in the coffers.”

What’s Next for the EPT?

For now, PokerStars and Club Barrière are focusing on the future. They’re optimistic that with the right conversations, a more stable regulatory framework could pave the way for EPT Paris to make a comeback. While the city is off the table for now, the rest of the 2025 EPT schedule remains on track. Monte-Carlo will host its iconic stop from April 30 to May 10, followed by the high-energy, record-breaking action in Barcelona from August 18-31.

Still, the unexpected gap in February raises questions. Could PokerStars add a new stop to fill the void? Cyprus, which joined the EPT circuit in 2023, and fan-favorite Prague were missing from the initial 2025 schedule — perhaps one of them could make a late appearance. For now, players and fans will just have to wait and see.