(AsiaGameHub) – The Lucien Barrière Group has acquired one of Portugal’s most historic casinos, Póvoa de Varzim Casino, thereby expanding its international retail portfolio.
Póvoa de Varzim Casino, a seaside resort that employs 220 individuals, has been a fixture for nearly a century, having opened its doors in 1934. It is situated approximately 30km from Porto.
Featuring French architecture, the acquisition will grant Barrière access to the casino’s 500 gaming stations, which include slot machines and electronic table games, as well as 11 traditional gaming tables, a restaurant, a bar, and a theatre with over 400 seats that hosts a regular schedule of shows and events.
Clément Martin-Saint-Léon, General Manager of the Lucien Barrière Group’s Casino, commented: “Póvoa de Varzim embodies all the elements that make the projects we develop unique: a place rich in history, a dynamic destination, and genuine potential for transformation.
“Our objective is to present a contemporary vision of the casino, positioning it as a vibrant hub in its own right, where gaming converges with performing arts, fine dining, and the overall guest experience.”
With the addition of Póvoa de Varzim, Barrière intends to implement a phased approach to modernizing the gaming offerings, enhancing the customer experience, redesigning dining concepts, expanding the arts and events program, and improving integration with Porto’s tourist flow.
Barrière also indicated plans to broaden its presence in Portugal beyond this acquisition, with a residential and hotel project slated to commence operations in Lisbon soon.
Grégory Rabuel, Chief Executive Officer of the Lucien Barrière Group, stated: “This aligns perfectly with Barrière’s current development strategy: evolving iconic establishments to unlock their full potential while preserving their inherent identity.”
Currently, Barrière operates 32 casinos and one gaming club under the Barrière Casino brand, in addition to 20 luxury hotels and nearly 200 restaurants and bars.
In recent months, operators have presented varied perspectives on the Portuguese gambling market, with some making investments while others have withdrawn from the region.
Earlier this year, Super Group’s Betway relinquished its online sports betting and iGaming licenses to Portugal’s gambling regulator, the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ), ceasing operations on its sites after their revocation at the company’s request.
The licenses were held by GM Gaming Limited, which managed the Betway brand in Portugal.
“As a global business listed on the NYSE, we meticulously evaluate all markets and their performance against our objectives,” the company explained.
“Following a comprehensive review, we have decided to surrender our license in Portugal to concentrate on existing markets and growth areas with greater potential.”
Conversely, in March, Rank Group secured a license to introduce its YoBingo brand in Portugal, following an assessment and certification process for its bingo platform that spanned nearly six years.
SRIJ authorized BingoSoft, the Malta-based operating entity for YoBingo, to become the 17th licensed online gambling brand permitted to operate in the Portuguese market, authorized to offer online bingo alongside a curated selection of certified slot and casino games.
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