PokerStars have just announced that next year’s EPT stop in Paris has been cancelled, with the recent fall of the French government apparently to blame.
Unfortunately we have to announce the cancellation of EPT Paris 2025.
For further please see https://t.co/L5L1rJdFWT pic.twitter.com/SYrvmwOvp0
— PokerStars LIVE (@PokerStarsLIVE) December 12, 2024
“It is with great regret that PokerStars and Club Barrière announce the cancellation of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris 2025, originally scheduled for February 2025,” reads the announcement on X (formerly Twitter).
It explains: “This decision comes as a result of unforeseen changes in French government policies and ongoing regulatory developments in Paris, which are entirely beyond our control.”
The shock news comes as players enjoy the traditional PokerStars’ EPT Prague festival, and only two months before the scheduled 2025 EPT season opener in Paris, slated for February 12-23 at Le Palais des Congrès.
Government Collapse to Blame
EPT Paris looks to be the first big poker victim of the recent government collapse in France, with the resignation of Prime Minister Michel Barnier after a vote of no confidence.
Why should that affect poker? Well, put simply, poker’s coat was already on a slightly shaky peg in France, operating legally for the past few years only under experimental legislation.
This legislation allowed strictly regulated gaming clubs – “Clubs de Jeux” – to operate and offer limited table games. These included various forms of poker, Baccarat and Mahjong, but notably not roulette or slots.
Although the experiment was going rather smoothly by all accounts, without the possibility of an extension after December 31st 2024, because there is no governmental body in place to give the administrative nod, offering poker tournaments will basically be illegal until the issue is addressed.
PokerStars hoping to reschedule
A statement released today by the PokerStars Live Events Team, reads: “While we are closely monitoring the evolving legal landscape, the current uncertainty surrounding licensing requirements has left us with no alternative but to cancel the February event. We are, however, exploring the feasibility of rescheduling EPT Paris at a later date.”
It is exactly a month to the day since PokerStars announced the first three stops of the 2025 EPT season, with EPT Paris, EPT Monte-Carlo, and EPT Barcelona all announced.
“These iconic stops have become cornerstones of the European Poker Tour, each offering unique experiences and unparalleled competition. We can’t wait to welcome players back for another incredible year of live poker,” stated Julien Liarte, Live Events Senior Business Development Manager.
That announcement naturally held no hint of what was about to happen, but few even knew that it was a possibility that things could go wrong so quickly.
“Economic and social catastrophe!”
Speaking to Le Parisien newspaper today, Christine Bonneau, managing director of Club Barrière, stated: “This is an economic and social catastrophe. It’s psychologically tough for the teams. We are completely in the dark.”
She added: “This news is shocking for us. The situation is unprecedented and nonsensical. Hundreds of jobs are at risk. We urge the future government to find a solution quickly.”
What it means for players
Hundreds of players have already booked their trips after winnings seats and packages in online satellites. For the most part, they will now be refunded in T-money, PokerStars’ “tournament money” currency that allows players to buy in to live events.
PokerStars responded: “We understand the disappointment this news will bring to our players and the wider poker community. To those who have already secured online packages for EPT or FPS Paris, our team will reach out directly with further information. Players with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to contact us at live@pokerstarslive.com.”
PokerStars also stated that the cancellation only affects EPT Paris 2025 and “does not affect our online operations in any way.” A FAQ page was added to today’s announcement.
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