Jean-Maurice Agnelet was indicted Wednesday for murder, twenty-seven years after the disappearance of his mistress, Agnès Le Roux, the heiress of the Palais de la Mediterranee in Nice, war-related casinos in the late 1970, officials said a judicial source.

Left at liberty on probation, Mr. Agnelet at the time of Nice Bar, was the lover of a young woman of 29 years who has never been found since October 30, 1977, when they were decided to leave together for the weekend of All Saints in Italy.

Already indicted in December 2000 for “murder and kidnapping,” Mr Agnelet denies murdering Agnes Le Roux.

“There is nothing new. This is the reinstatement of an indictment for acts that are the same for twenty-seven years,” he told AFP François Saint-Pierre, lawyer Mr Agnelet.

“The court recognizes the intent. This is a new extremely important,” said Mr. Christian Boitel, counsel for the mother of Agnes Le Roux.

This reclassification is involved in “further information” on March 18 decided by the investigating chamber of the Court of Appeal of Aix-en-Provence. “The judge followed the request of prosecutors. It approximates a referral to the Court of Assizes,” it was said a judicial source.

After the death of her father, Agnes Le Roux, a prominent woman of the jet-set from the Riviera, had opposed the continuation of his mother, former model of Balenciaga, head of the Palace Mediterranean.

Deleterious in the context of the war then raging casinos, it had sold its shares to Jean-Dominique Fratoni, the owner of Ruhl casino competitor also located on the Promenade des Anglais. Lamb was served as an intermediary.

The investigation into the disappearance had focused on Agnelet. A sum of 365,877 euros paid by Fratoni, had been deposited on a joint account on behalf of the two lovers in Geneva. The money was found on another account opened on behalf of Agnelet with a proxy to Françoise Lausseure, one of his mistresses, and then to an account which he was the sole owner.

Lamb in 1985 was sentenced to two years imprisonment for embezzlement and disbarred from Nice. However, it had enjoyed in the first instance of a nonsuit on its responsibility in the disappearance of Agnes Le Roux.

Fifteen years later, the case had rebounded Françoise Lausseure who had provided an alibi Agnelet saying they were together in Switzerland at the time of the disappearance of Agnes Le Roux was retracted twice.

“It was not with me at the Hotel de la Paix. I gave this false testimony for him to serve at its urging,” she said.

Accor Casinos, a subsidiary of Accor and Colony Capital, and Luminar PLC, reported creation of a joint venture to develop the UK market casinos. This agreement remains suspended the approval of local competition. The announcement by British authorities of the change in the regulation of gambling and casinos has led this rapprochement between the two operators, who believe that attractive opportunities will emerge in this market.

Luminar has excellent national coverage and high performance products in the field of entertainment. The British company operates nightclubs, restaurants, theme bars. At the end of 2003, Luminar had 294 locations across the UK. Accor Casino, which operates 23 casinos in continental Europe and Malta, with the partnership wants to develop a new concept of casinos on a promising market.

Lotto, scratch tickets, PMU, Slots: epidemic social gambling are booming. In 2003, the French have thus soared 30 billion euros, for the benefit of the industry sector and state dealer, who takes his tithes. In an era that values ??the easy money, the devil’s game has won the most destitute, the lonely and disaffected. Hoping for a miracle, some even sink into a pathological addiction.

Richest in Europe Unite! Do not let strangers become richer than us. The poster is monumental, three by four meters. Upon exiting the metro, it offers a breathtaking view of a dandy contemptuous but distinguished, some Ari Willem von Hildebure. At the bottom, a signature, or as: Collective rich lotto cons (CRCE). And an Internet address.

Euromillions … Kesako? And this ad? Incitement to class warfare? A moment of madness such as “Call Nicolas Miguet, it’s urgent? A joke? Who are these “rich” ETRC? Upon exiting the subway, these are not the rich who run. Besides what is a rich?

On the site of the famous group, everything becomes clear. The cynicism is at its peak. Euromillions is the newest member of the French Games (JDF). Mégaloto is a Europe-wide (Franco-British-Spanish for now), the pot should reach the record $ 50 million to run. Its mission is only a “communication tool based on the principle of uncommercials responsible for supporting the launch of the game,” says the press officer of the JDF. The slogans that can be read on the site, as “wedges do not let the grid be richer than us,” are just advertising for attracting the adherence of the masses “poor”, but potentially “rich . Manichaeism advertising has chosen to pervert the idea of ??wealth, such as activism, to make an impression. The campaign, the very high cost (5 million euros for the EOD), is not a risky investment. Given the success of the Lottery in the countries concerned, income is expected to rain. As for future players to admit they have a chance to win 72 million since the transnational development, if it increases earnings, significantly reduces the likelihood of the pocket, it would be a lot less argument vendor. Never mind, the 33 million (the largest gain in the history of the National Lottery), Friday, May 14 won by a lucky euromillionaire, provides good publicity for this superloto. Especially the French, like their European neighbors, have the demon in the game In 2003, nearly one in two French played a money game at least once: lotto, PMU, scratch tickets , slot machines, all media showed that “inflation playful” mentioned Jean-Pierre G. Martignoni-Hutin, a sociologist at the University of Lyon-II (1). For researchers, this development has several explanations: “The increase in the number of outlets of the JDF is crucial. At this spatial proximity, plus a more intense frequency of the number of events (there were 3300 horse racing in 1987 against 5500 in 2003). In addition, the authorization of slot machines in casinos, with the Pasqua Law of 1987, has attracted a growing customer base and now has 186 casinos with its territory, the Hexagon holds the European record . Chaban-Delmas Amendment of 1988, allowing casinos in urban cities over 500,000 inhabitants, has enabled major casino operator to set up in Lyon and Bordeaux and six projects of urban casinos are currently in preparation. This industrialization of supply has helped popularize the games that we are witnessing. ”

23% of punters are workers, 20% of retirees. In casinos, 46% of the clientele consists of retirees and unemployed. For the sociologist Elizabeth Vercher, this type of player development (in the 1980s, the profile was that of a man in his forties, or commercial setting, closer to the gambler that the scraper bar) is set related to the social crisis. Moreover, the regions most affected by unemployment (North Corsica) contain the highest number of players. According to her, “gambling in our society which is increasingly recognized heroes for a day and where easy money is increasingly valued, represent a means of rapid social ascent that thrills much more than money to work. “The democratization of the idea of ??wealth, hammered by slogans such as” 100% of winners have tried their luck “for the Lotto, or” millionaire in euros, it’s almost too much “for the millionaire, made his path.

Especially as the gambling allows these people are often excluded, to overcome loneliness and boredom. Indeed, the visibility of the game allows a form of “social entertainment” often sought after by players, as recalled by Jean-Pierre G. Martignoni-Hutin. Entrepreneurs of the game have also consistently exploit this important social and friendly atmosphere of the game: the side of a scratch ticket, for example, is making the game “Special Valentine”, which makes the practice scraping less individual. In casinos, the presence of hotel services and catering meetings and fosters sociability. As well as the provision of free shuttles, such as chartered by the Casino de Forges-les-Eaux in Seine-Maritime for its customers in Paris, creates the link. Jean led the shuttle since 1997: its users are, for the vast majority of people only, and the 130 kilometers traveled between Paris and Forges-les-Eaux, allow exchanges and discussions, especially among the regulars, who sometimes take advantage of the three trips Returns per week offered by the casino. Jean has seen many people who are ruined, “These people are losers, the winner is the casino owner. These games generate misery, sometimes I say it’s as if I took them to suicide. “Because the temptation thoroughly encouraged by the industrial sector, combined with the fascination of the game, the seduction of power can sometimes lose their footing.

(1) Author of your bets, Éditions L’Harmattan, 1993, 283 p., 23 euros and Ethno-sociology of slot machines, Éditions L’Harmattan, 2000, 262 p., 19 euros.

In the Pink City, the city wants to establish a casino in a neighborhood in the area devastated by the explosion of AZF. A group is mobilized against this idea.

Three years after his election, Philippe Douste-Blazy made her scarf as mayor of Toulouse, preferring the Ministry of Health on Capitol Hill. This half term it was yet sufficient to decide the location of a casino on the banks of the Garonne. Without taking time for a real debate. No study on the consequences of such a decision. The mayor said that 200 to 300 direct jobs will be created and expects an annual fee of 2 million. The total revenue amounts to 5 million euros, according to local press, without knowing how those numbers were established.

However, it is not so tomorrow we will see a green carpet in the Pink City. For the procedure, launched in November 2002 by the mayor, is not gone so far beyond the drawing board. The call for applications, which had initially responded ten casino operator, has been canceled twice by the tribunal, saying there was not “fair treatment” between competitors. Each time, the process must therefore start from scratch.

For the third tender, six candidates remain in contention: corporations Tranchant , Moliflor, Partouche , Tahoe-Quebec Omnium-Casinos and a candidate from the merger between Accor and Barriere. The Accor-ticket barrier is largely given winner. It is rumored that even the games are already made. Unless the third solicitation suffer the same fate as the first two.

Especially, the proposed casino is increasingly seen as a societal issue. And therefore becomes subject to political debate. Under the leadership of communist activists and elected a lawsuit against the establishment of a casino in Toulouse began April 28. An informal group, likely to open in PS and motivations-are, to all those who see in such an institution a formidable decoy, entrap that first the poorest people, the most helpless. Already, the site chosen by the City Council has caused some surprise: instead of the old school of chemistry destroyed by the explosion of the AZF factory in 2001. At least three hundred meters from chemical companies still in business. In other words, the casino would amount to a Seveso site. The place is also classified as flood zone, because the edge of the Garonne. The casino would be built on stilts, which would give it probably exotic allure.

The collective of 28 April, if he contests the proposed site, particularly opposes the principle of a casino in Toulouse. From 1 May, leaflets were distributed in the event. Soon will be meetings with residents of Empalot, neighborhood most exposed to risks of a casino with slot machines. City council, the three elected Communists and Republicans voted against it. One of them, Stéphane Dupraz said the group’s approach: “We are not a league of virtue. We do not oppose the casino for moral reasons but for reasons of public health.”

Jean-Pierre Cormier, ethno-sociologist at the University of Paris VII (Jussieu), is preparing a thesis on the dependents of the game, especially slot machines.

Special correspondent.

Gambling addiction is comparable with addiction?

Jean-Pierre Cormier. Exactly the same thing. The individual is destroyed in an identical manner. Since 1980, the Association of Psychiatrists of the United States considers gambling addiction as a disease. WHO also sees this as a health problem. Among the ten criteria that define this condition include depression: a compulsive gambler in the weaning period is most often depression. One available treatment is to organize games in white, with no money for dependents. But the success rate does not exceed 30%.

Why do you say that casinos in major cities are more dangerous than those spas or resorts?

Jean-Pierre Cormier. The casinos have been created in the nineteenth century to occupy the upper classes who came to take the waters in the spas and who were bored. The money lost on the green carpet of rich heirs was a “voluntary tax”. To enter a casino, you had to be well dressed, was elitist. The classes do not feel comfortable in these places and did not attend. In 1987, the Interior Minister, Charles Pasqua, authorizes slot machines at casinos. The following year, the amendment Chaban-Delmas allows colleges to settle in the main town of a city of over 500,000 inhabitants. Today, casinos and slot machines attract mostly low-income pensioners, the Eremit, unemployed and students. Populations, and it is even more dramatic, coming here to lose their meager resources.

What are the consequences for these people?

Jean-Pierre Cormier. It is not uncommon for players accumulate a debt of 50,000 euros, while their incomes do not exceed 1,000 euros per month. These people will often retreat into a sort of obstinacy: they are absent from work to go play and eventually lose their jobs. These situations create domestic violence, child abuse, divorce. The player is indebted defraud his friends get angry with them, socialized. You see players sell their cars and watch the parking lot of the same casino. Recently a woman was caught stealing jewelry rings in Toulouse: she needed money to go play casino Salies-du-Salat. In France, players would be dependent on the number of 400,000 or more. The suicide rate among them reached 20%. But no detailed study has been conducted.

What a difference between those who play the lottery, and PMU or those who prefer slot machines?

Jean-Pierre Cormier. In one week, a player spends an average of 5 euros to the French game, the PMU 15 euros and 45 euros at the casino. The bandits have produced a new category of players, problem gamblers who can not help but try their luck, hypnotized by the machine. Everyone is sure he will be able to dominate the random fate. The slot machine is a fast game and that speed contributes to addiction, fear of heights. At the hospital in Nice, medical consultations with a psychiatrist, were created in 2002 for persons under the influence of slot machines located in casinos in the city.

What are the major French cities affected by the introduction of a casino?

Jean-Pierre Cormier. Such settlements have already been held in Bordeaux, Le Havre and Lyon. There are plans to Nantes, Lille and Toulouse.

What do you think of the place chosen by the city of Toulouse to build a casino?

Jean-Pierre Cormier. This is the worst possible place! It is a place with high risk! The location is near the popular district of Empalot, University City, Daniel Faucher, and the Stadium, which hosts football matches. If this place attracts more people than those of middle-class neighborhoods, then all the casinos will move into the neighborhoods. But do we measure the social cost then?

Periods of economic crisis, unemployment, they promote the emergence of new casinos?

Jean-Pierre Cormier. After the 1929 crisis have emerged, as out of a hat, gambling. The PMU was established in 1931 and the National Lottery in 1933. After the crisis of 1973-1974 was launched on Lotto, which has gradually replaced the National Lottery. Super winners are publicized, then they are very rare. The game has always been seen as a means of social control. In times of crisis, the game encourages to have other interests that challenge the social order. The poorest people think and be able to get the missing money by “cross roads”. It happens the same thing with TV games, which also produce a dream. The game is the belief you can get away without effort.

The world of the casino operator has he relays in political circles?

Jean-Pierre Cormier. Georges Tranchant , a leading French casino operator, was a member (1). Charles Pasqua had great friends among the casino operator located in Gabon.

Casinos are they places of laundering drug money?

Jean-Pierre Cormier. Much less than before. It is possible that small amounts are still white in the casinos but these institutions are now closely monitored. Casinos belong increasingly capitalist groups whose goal is to obtain profits, not problems.

Interview conducted by BV

(1) George Edge has been a member of the RPR Hauts-de-Seine from 1978 to 1993. He has twenty-four casinos and was the first in France to import machines. One of the first hundred French fortunes, he told the World (2 April 2004): “Yes, I am friends with three quarters of the current government.”

The casino will install the Galeries Anspach. We still do not know the name of the future operator. The jackpot for the City and the Region.

FILE

ROBERT FRANCIS, Special Envoy in Loutraki (Greece)

Loutraki. In the great hall of the casino, the excitement is electric. Enduring a gesture, a kind of perpetual motion, hundreds of players, men and women, lower the handle of slot machines (slots). At any time of day and night. 24 hours over 24, 365 days a year. Cave of Ali Baba in dreams so often disappointed. Fever Pitch, as powerful as love. Past a wooden door, another universe. Here the customer is handpicked. The world of gaming tables Baccarat, packages banco tournaments … Belote Hushed rustle of not sinking into the thick carpet. Snap cards into the hands of skillful dealers. Rattling balls jumping hurdles metal numbers roulette.

Loutraki, on the Gulf of Corinth, 70 km from Athens. One of the largest casinos in Europe, with over 600 slot machines and 70 table games. A big difference. Since its inauguration in 1995, it is never empty. A casino of the new generation. Integrated into a luxury hotel (near the sea, its gardens are planted with flowers and palm trees) and a hotel where we had come at great expense the best chefs in Europe. Take place a multitude of events, music concerts, dances …

This concept of deploying integrated casino pomp and luxury, it is found now throughout Europe. A casino is almost a must-tourism. ” It is spreading throughout the Old World, Monte-Carlo in Baden … and soon in Brussels.

Indeed open in 2007 at the Galeries Anspach’s largest casino in Belgium. Brussels will have “his” Loutraki. With 300 slot machines, the future facility will be located, however in the average European casinos. Still. With his coming, a real transformation will take place in the city center.

This is the framework law of 7 May 1999 which ended the legal vacuum that existed in Belgium on games. It has regulated the presence of casinos already in operation (there are eight) and has provided a new Brussels. The law also established a Gaming Commission, a regulatory body where there are particular State, which oversees the ethics, ethics and protects the players.

In late 2002, legislation authorized the program armed bandits (slot machines), particularly profitable, with ten slots for a table. By the way the Netherlands neighbors, a customer spends on average 125 euros per visit. As for the charging of games, it varies greatly from one country to another. In Germany, it reached 85% and profitability is very low, which automatically excludes the market to private groups. The European average varies from 35 to 45%. In the U.S., it should surprise anyone, it is very low.

Returning to Brussels. In the 1990s, the Brussels Region advocated the installation of a casino in Brussels. And nothing goes: François-Xavier de Donnea, mayor of Brussels, then Prime Minister of the Region, four irons slowed the project for moral reasons. His departure in 2003, revived the project.

Several municipalities have shown interest in the establishment of a casino. Uccle proposed racecourse, Anderlecht near the Gare du Midi, Saint-Gilles gave three sites. Yet it is Brussels that has swept the offering Galeries Anspach. The call for tenders for the operation of the site has been robbed four candidates are running (see elsewhere) to win the concession.

The ball does not stop there, however, not immediately. The casino will move first to the Magdalene (Rue Duquesnoy), much smaller, the time to do development work. The opening of the casino Madeleine is scheduled for 2005. This Galeries Anspach in 2007.

Four candidates and a concession

CANDIDATE # 1

Name. Accor Casinos.

Turnover. 389 million euros in 2003.

Casinos operated. First establishment of French games, it manages including 16 casinos in France, Malta, one in Dinant.

Partners. Accor Casinos is a subsidiary of Accor. Its partners Lucien Barrière and Colony Capital.

Accor is originally a hotel and tourism group. He embarked on the casino market in 1987 by joining the family barrier. In January 2004, Gates, Accor and Colony Capital have formed a joint company, which makes it a European leader in casinos (37 establishments in total and a turnover of over EUR 600 million). The association between a landlord, an American investment fund and the specialist of the game is in the air. On the American model, gaming establishments is now complete other functions (especially entertainment and hotel).

By the end of last year, Accor Casinos has made no secret of his desire to win the concession Brussels, despite an investment estimated at EUR 50 million (the cost of accommodation Galeries Anspach). The group’s strategy is clearly to diversify and to overflow its activities for the Hexagon (opening a casino in Fribourg, Switzerland).

CANDIDATE # 2

Name. Belcasino.

Turnover. 1.090 million in 2003.

Casinos operated Ostend and Francorchamps.

Partners. Belcasino group is shared between two shareholders: the family Verdonck (40%) and the French group Partouche (60%).

Belcasino is the most local of the four candidates since its management is 100% Belgian.

Its current configuration dates from 1999 when the entry in the shareholding of the family of European Verdonck Casino (now owned by Partouche ).

The casino operator Verdonck has a long experience. He acquired the casino in Ostend in 1987, one of Spa in 1991 and finally the Chaudfontaine in 1997. He has since disposed of the establishment of Spa recently sold Circus. Verdonck family has nothing to do with the casino operator of Namur (owner: Khaid). Institutions of Middelkerke and Blankenberge depend them, the British group Rank.

As for Partouche is a heavyweight who has the art. It was number one in France (turnover of 372 million euros in 2002) until the creation of mega-groups Accor Barrier. Partouche operates 44 establishments in France. He is a manager at 100% of the casino in Knokke.

CANDIDATE # 3

Name. Eurocasino.

Partners. Eurocasino has a diverse shareholding: Compagnie Immobilière de Belgique (turnover: 109 million euros), the group Roularta (450 million), Kinepolis (207 million), Holland Casino (672 million), Belgium and ABN Amro Capital Fortis.

Eurocasino is a new facility, created for the eventual operation of the casino in Brussels. Its partners are complementary (real estate, communication, entertainment, games and finance).

Experience in the gaming industry is provided by Holland Casino, a public institution is 25 years old who, until market liberalization, the Netherlands had the monopoly of the game (12 institutions). Today, the casino operator sort (consultant in Canada, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland) of its borders.

Negotiations are underway for the possible entry of the National Lottery in the shareholding of Eurocasino (it would only happen if the grant of the casino in Brussels is attributed to the group). Holland Casino has recently been the subject of a parliamentary question from Hugo Coveliers (VLD) in the Senate: the Dutch equivalent of the Gaming Commission has shown some reservations about the multiplication of possible concessions abroad.

CANDIDATE # 4

Name. Casinos Austria.

Turnover: 718 million euros in 2002.

Casinos operated: 70 schools (including 16 vessels casinos in international waters) in 16 countries.

Partners: Currently, Casinos Austria is considering a Belgian anchorage if the lease assigned.

Casinos Austria is so little known in Belgium, this is not the case elsewhere in Europe. The working group is 9,000 people and its institutions were visited by 14 million people in 2002. Casinos Austria is present on five continents (even in Australia).

The group exists since 1934. It manages (monopoly) the 12 casinos in Austria. Its structure is however different from that of Holland Casino. Its capital was largely open to private. The state holds a third of the shares, banks and other private third parties (including charities) the rest. The group has diversified into many areas (lottery). Its international subsidiary is particularly active, helping to launch, operations or consulting than 80 casinos.

In the competition for the award of the concession Brussels, Casinos Austria has so far shown great discretion, which contrasts with other candidates.

History of big money. Place your bets! The future casino in Brussels will be by far the largest in Belgium. By itself, it will generate a turnover higher than the eight other casinos in the country. Are proposed 9,000 m2 of retail, 11,000 m2 for the casino (300 slots and 30 tables), a multipurpose hall, a hotel with 150 rooms and 3,500 m2 of housing in the immediate vicinity.

Jackpot for the City. Galeries Anspach (31,000 m2), neglected by the store namesake (it went bankrupt in the 1980s), cost an arm and head to the City, the owner (only the first ground and are currently exploited). With the casino project, the city sold in 2003, a long lease (99 years), places to Bernheim-Comofi (Fortis) through its subsidiary NGBA for 3 million plus an annual fee of 700,000 euros. City gets rid of a canker and embarrassing: the facades Polak and Horta will be maintained and built on the front instead of the redesigned currency: an architectural competition is expected. Finally, imposing the renovation of the Madeleine, it is double whammy: the casino operator will also have the obligation to operate (presumably for purposes other than the game) for 15 years the room Duquesnoy Street.

The call for tenders. In November 2003 the City has shot dead his cards by launching the bid. On April 22, 2004, she robbed the nominations. The City has 3 to 6 months to make its choice (subject to any appeals of unsuccessful candidates) to be endorsed by the Gaming Commission.

A windfall tax. Governments are not indifferent. It is estimated that in the first year, the federal state could collect 2.5 million euros of tax revenue (excluding VAT on investment). But it is the Brussels region that collects the package: the product of the tax (regional) on games and paris could rise from the early years, to 25 million euros. As for the City, it will receive, in addition to license fees, concession fees.

The use and security. Brussels can earn a lot through this playroom Contrary to popular belief, the casino is synonymous with safety. A secure site is essential and you can bet that all four candidates operators have been very careful in this aspect in their bids. A casino is also a powerful pole of attraction. Finally, the casino Brussels could become the largest private employer in the City of Brussels. It is estimated that it will create between 400 and 1,000 new permanent jobs: home, officers, cashiers, dealers, bartenders, employees, restaurant owners, job security, etc.. The game is worth it! Especially as the number of jobs generated is equivalent to that actually created.

A good deal for the operator, the casino? The “Cherry Casino Group, Swedish, was a time tempted by the operation of the future institution. But, given the specifications, he retired. Emmanuel Goedseels of Interel consulting firm representing the interests of the group, explains why the Swedes did not make an offer.

At first, the Swedes were they really interested?

Of course! It’s been 12 years since the group following the issue in Brussels. Brussels is one of the few cities not to have casino intramural.

What prompted the group to abandon the race?

Several reasons. Thus, the size of the casino is disproportionate: 6,000 m 2 would have sufficed. And then there is an obligation to work on 7 levels. Has anyone ever seen a casino fragmented way? La Madeleine is better.

Financially, Brussels is it a good deal?

We’re not so sure. In Belgium, the games are taxed at 45%. It’s a lot and it makes prudent private groups who pay taxes. The concession covers 15 years. There is an obligation to occupy the site of Madeleine before Galeries Anspach. The investment is in reality over 12 years. It’s very little to recoup an investment estimated at 50 million euros. There is also the rent charged by the owner Bernheim: 235 euros per square meter. It’s very expensive. This is equivalent to the luxury office.

The requirements of the City of Brussels are they excessive?

A cannon is paid annually to the municipality. And the amount of franchise fee is left to the discretion of the customer. This does not seem very healthy. There is something “auction” quite unpleasant. The City has also demanded in its specifications a provision of free places at certain times. These are not common practices.

So?

Then, after everything is calculated and our business plan, we believe the casino Brussels is not very interesting … We may even wonder if under these conditions, we can make a profit …

BRUSSELS, May 25 (Reuters) – The European Commission has extended by two weeks reviewing the proposed combination of casinos in the French Accor hotel with those of the family Desseigne barrier that must give rise to a number of European industry with a turnover of 900 million euros.

The new deadline for Commission decision has been set for June 4, said a statement issued by the EU executive who serves as the competition authority for the countries of the European Union.

The Commission gave no reason for this deadline extension. Extensions of time are usually granted when a state wants its competition authority considers itself the case or when the companies intend to bring proposals to make such transfers of assets or such.

The new group of casinos, which operate 37 casinos and over 4,600 slot machines Nice to Deauville, is controlled 51% by the family barrier, Accor holding 34% and the investment fund Colony Capital 15%.

On one side Barrier No. 1 after the alliance with Accor, the other Partouche , desperate to regain his rank. Colorful tale of a fierce struggle for control of gambling.

These are the currant and Quesnoy The economic world. On the one hand, a patriarch, Isidore Partouche , radio officer and son of a humble cobbler, landed at Le Touquet in Algeria in 1962, before resuming, eleven years later, its first casino in Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, near Lille. Emphasis Blackfoot pronounced. Members of his tribe present in all parts of the group. Popular games rooms at La Ciotat, Palavas and Berck-sur-Mer … On the other hand, Dominique Desseigne, widower of Diane Barrier, the heir of an empire the game developed nearly a century by the family of his adoptive father, Lucien. Displayed there are still little arm Mouna Ayoub, a Lebanese rich divorcee and jet-setter shock, Dominique Desseigne did not break with the traditions of the clan barrier. Its very stiff Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which is the official sponsor, and a fleet of casino chic with Deauville, La Baule and Cannes are its most beautiful landmarks.

Different in every respect, both casinotier came today in opposition front. Since the spring, in fact, nothing is more between them and the games are not done yet. In alliance with Accor, the first European hotel group and the U.S. fund Colony Capital, Gates dethroned Partouche , previously No. 1 on the continent. Since then, it tries to recover his position by buying casinos Didot-Bottin. The two giants each weighing more than 700 million of gross gaming revenue (GGR) and are traded directly or through their shareholders. They also polish their image. The last business day splashing in the sector (Amelia, Tranchant , Annemasse) failed or back indefinitely. The dictatorship of the cash flow and EBITDA appears to have trumped the placing on the old rules of the medium. Today, war is a duel casino industry. But that does not bluffing, big bets and bancos wildest.

Partouche is in any case not decided to abandon the game. Last December, when Isidore Partouche discovers that barrier is about to merge with Accor Casinos,