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French casino operator Groupe Lucien Barrière has entered the Portuguese market after acquiring the Póvoa de Varzim casino in northern Portugal, marking a new step in its European expansion strategy.
The Portuguese government granted the group a concession for the property effective May 1, 2026. The casino, located a few kilometres from Porto, was previously operated by Estoril-Sol, which did not submit a bid for the new licence.
Barrière plans a comprehensive transformation of the site, focusing on upgrading gaming offerings, aligning the property with its international standards and diversifying revenue streams.
The project includes a full overhaul of the customer experience, with redesigned spaces, improved layouts and enhanced service quality. The operator also intends to reposition the casino’s existing restaurant and bar with new concepts aimed at broadening its appeal beyond traditional gaming customers.
In addition, the group plans to strengthen the venue’s role as an entertainment hub by leveraging its 400-seat theatre to expand artistic and event programming.
The Póvoa de Varzim casino currently operates 500 gaming stations and 11 traditional gaming tables and employs more than 220 staff, making it a significant asset within the local economy.
“Póvoa de Varzim embodies everything that makes the projects we develop unique: a place steeped in history, a dynamic destination and genuine potential for transformation,” said Clément Martin-Saint-Léon, General Manager of the Lucien Barrière Group’s casino division.
“Our ambition is to bring a contemporary take on the casino, envisioning it as a vibrant hub in its own right, where gaming interacts with the performing arts, fine dining, and the overall experience,” he added.
Chief Executive Grégory Rabuel added: “This is exactly how Barrière approaches its development today: evolving iconic establishments to reveal their full potential, without ever losing their identity.”
The deal comes as several other casino licences in Portugal approach renewal, including three in the Algarve — Vilamoura, Portimão and Praia da Rocha — and one in Espinho. Solverde currently operates the Espinho and Algarve casinos, while Estoril-Sol/STDM had operated the Póvoa de Varzim property.