French Guiana’s first casino will open on November 5, with COGIT Group confirming a 10am launch for its Casino-Théâtre de Cayenne following several delays. The €35 million development will introduce a gambling venue to the territory, alongside facilities for dining and live entertainment.
Caysino, a subsidiary of the Martinique-based operator, will manage the property under a 20-year public service concession. Located at the junction of Route de Montabo and Chemin Sadecki, the establishment forms part of Cayenne’s plans to expand tourism and entertainment activities.
The launch was previously expected in September. With construction nearing completion, COGIT is now preparing its workforce for the opening.
According to G3 Newswire, Gilles Defert, CEO of COGIT Group, said: “Our teams are currently being integrated and trained to be ready to welcome our first visitors in the best possible conditions. This is a symbolic project for Cayenne and French Guiana.”
New Casino Combines Gaming and Live Entertainment
The Casino-Théâtre de Cayenne covers approximately 2,800 square metres, with earlier plans allocating around 655 square metres to the gaming floor.
Visitors will have access to 100 slot machines and 20 electronic gaming positions. Traditional table games will include two blackjack tables and one English roulette table.
The property will also feature a restaurant and lounge bar, while its performance hall will accommodate 400 seated guests or up to 700 standing attendees.
To celebrate the launch, COGIT has organised free entertainment from November 6 to 8, including musical performances and games.
The venue’s combination of casino activities and event facilities reflects the municipality’s plans for the Montabo-Chatenay area. During construction, city authorities estimated the investment at more than €25 million ($28 million), while the project’s latest reported cost stands at approximately €35 million.
Cayenne Authorities Highlight Tourism Potential
Mayor Sandra Trochimara described the development as ‘probably the most important tourism project of the last 20 years in French Guiana.’
She identified its location as an important factor in efforts to revitalise downtown Cayenne and surrounding neighbourhoods.
The project also represents a long-term investment for COGIT, which worked with the municipality to establish the venue.
COGIT Chairman Henri Ernault commented:
“This is an important step for our group, which has chosen to invest sustainably in this territory and build an establishment designed for its residents as well as its visitors.”
The new property expands the portfolio of France’s fifth-largest casino operator. COGIT already runs four casinos in the French West Indies, alongside gaming operations in Cherbourg, Lacanau and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.
The group also plans to establish another casino in Lion d’Angers, in the Maine-et-Loire department.
Meanwhile, France’s wider land-based gambling sector is experiencing further consolidation. Merkur has agreed to acquire a 95% interest in Casigrangi, majority owner of Société Française de Casinos, pending approval. Banijay Gaming has separately agreed to purchase Joa, which operates 33 casinos nationwide.
For the Cayenne property, the immediate focus remains on completing staff preparations and opening to customers on schedule. The November 5 launch will mark the introduction of regulated casino gaming in French Guiana, with the following three days dedicated to free public entertainment.