Paris, October 22, 1998 - Accor Casinos' proposal for the new Bordeaux casino has been selected by the city's mayor, Mr. Alain Juppé, from among the various projects submitted in response to a request for proposal launched in early 1997. Two main objectives guided Accor Casinos in the planning of the Bordeaux-Lac establishment: maximizing the potential of the location and creating a lively entertainment complex, including gaming, cultural activities, and restaurants, boosting the town's tourism development plans.

The casino, located between the Palais des Congrès and Sofitel hotel, linked by pedestrian walkways and footbridges, enjoys a panoramic view of the lake.

The 6,500 square meter casino includes, in addition to gambling halls, five restaurants, three bars, a 700-seat theater, and a grand ballroom next to the panoramic restaurant, which can be used for exhibitions, fashion shows, dancing, cabaret shows…

The building has a vast central, naturally lit hall around which the different activities are organized on three stories. Bordeaux-based architect Luc Arsène-Henry, responsible for many constructions in the region, gave the casino its decidedly modern look, combining white polished concrete, glass, copper and wood.

The casino will be a direct source of revenues for the city of Bordeaux: once fully operational, the casino will remit an average of 60% of gaming revenues to public authorities, including a substantial portion to the municipality in which the casino is located.

The opening of the casino will create over 200 new jobs, benefiting the local workforce. To train the new teams, Accor Casinos is opening a training school.

Through this project, Accor Casinos will bolster the appeal of the Bordeaux-Lac area, drawing on the synergies of the site brought together by the Palais des Congrès, Exhibition Center and sports complex. Accor Casinos intends to be an active partner in the tourism and cultural development plans of the city of Bordeaux.

Accor Casinos is one of the leading casino operators in France, managing a number of establishments, including those in the Ruhl in Nice. Accor Casinos is also constructing the new casino in Dax.

An Accor subsidiary, Accor Casinos benefits from the Group's financial stability, its clear management, the support from its hotel and travel agency networks, as well as its renowned professional training.

Accor, world leader in travel, tourism, and business services, is active in 142 countries with 121,000 associates, through its four major complementary activities: hotels, travel agencies, car rental and corporate services.

Jacques Charbit
+33 (0)1 45 38 87 52
Accor