Published on July 2, 2015, by Marseille Tourisme

"I will not allow a casino in my city as long as I am alive!" This old refrain, tirelessly sung by Jean-Claude Gaudin, is no longer relevant today. The Mayor of Marseille has indeed announced his intention to open a casino within the Phocaean City in order to, he says, "contribute to the economic development of the city." While this news delights wealthy tourists, it is far from unanimous among the people of Marseille… Let's take a closer look at the most controversial project of the moment.

MARSEILLE IS NOT BYZANTIUM

Unless proven otherwise, Marseille is a popular and working-class city, far from the splendors of Cannes or Monaco. Luxury has no place here, just like ostentation or opulence. So how can we accept that some spend in one night what others earn in a year? This question of ethics and ethics has long served as a catalyst for debate, preventing any attempts by casino operators. But a second, more insidious question still lingers: Should a casino be opened in a city already plagued by business and dirty money? Nothing is less certain. Money laundering has become commonplace, and the risk of opening a money-laundering casino is very real.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TOURISM

Marseille Provence 2013 is over, but its specter still hovers over the city. The Phocaean City attracts millions of tourists every year who flock through the narrow streets of Le Panier and willingly venture into the daring exhibitions of the MuCEM. Dominique Vlasto, UMP-elected representative for tourism, believes that the absence of a casino represents a substantial loss: "We have five-star hotels filled with foreigners who come and would like to gamble," she insists. Why persist in ignoring the existence of this affluent clientele, which has become an objective reality? Wealthy tourists must go to Cassis, Carry le Rouet, or Aix-en-Provence if they want to experience the incomparable pleasure of roulette and slot machines. Tortured between its salvific morality and the lure of profit, Marseille is now facing an almost insoluble dilemma. Should we abandon our fundamental values for the sake of economic growth? Only time will tell.