Bobb59
Full House
Aviation Club de France
Created in 1907 by a group of aviators, the Aviation Club de France was originally inspired by English clubs. It became a true gaming club in 1925 and gradually broadened its audience, no longer limiting itself to aviators alone. It was not until the early 1960s that it earned its reputation as a highly prized Parisian spot. Its prestige was significantly due to its geographic location on the Champs-Élysées, just steps away from the Arc de Triomphe.
In 1995, its range of games (previously limited to bridge, baccarat, blackjack, backgammon, or punto banco) expanded to include poker. This was a very important step in popularizing the game in France. In 2003, the organization of the first Grand Prix de Paris marked another milestone. This international poker tournament, which was also the first World Poker Tour event held outside American territory, was the first in a long series of WPT events at the ACF.
A Place of Life and Passion
Between 1995 and 2014, the success of the Aviation Club de France did not wane. Every day, hundreds of enthusiasts flocked there throughout the day to indulge in their favorite games: Texas Hold'em, Poker 21, Punto Banco, Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker...
For some, it was a meeting place, and for others, a second home. In 2010, the ACF even ventured into the world of online gaming. Following the opening of the French market, the establishment launched its own platform approved by ARJEL: ACFPoker.fr.
During this period, the ACF was at the peak of its popularity. The club, which employed about 200 staff and had thousands of loyal members, seemed unshakable. Even the increase in membership fees (which led some to view it as an elitist establishment) and the end of the annual World Poker Tour events did not undermine its success.
The End of a Beautiful Story
Tuesday, September 16th, around 6 a.m., a thunderbolt on the Champs-Élysées! Several dozen police officers storm into the ACF. After an identity check, the players present are questioned about the circulation of money within the club: management of the prize pools, entrance fees, bad beat jackpot, tips...
It quickly becomes apparent that the investigators' questions focus on potential cases of undeclared work and breach of trust. A first sanction quickly falls: the club will have to close its doors for the entire duration of the investigation. This decision leaves the 213 employees of the establishment in limbo, challenges the possibility of the club obtaining a renewal of its authorization, and casts doubt on its long-term future.
The closure of the ACF is experienced as a stab in the heart by its teams and its clients. Everyone mobilizes in their own way to raise public awareness, gain government support, and above all, convince the judges that the club must be reopened without delay.
The fight is unfortunately lost from the start. At the beginning of 2015, the verdict is rendered in the form of a judicial liquidation by the Tribunal de Grande Instance of Paris. Unable to make payments, the Parisian poker temple will never reopen its doors. Its assets are even sold off with the goal of paying off its debts. An ending as sad as it is abrupt for an establishment that deserved a better epilogue.
(@Fran traduction)
Pron:
Created in 1907 by a group of aviators, the Aviation Club de France was originally inspired by English clubs. It became a true gaming club in 1925 and gradually broadened its audience, no longer limiting itself to aviators alone. It was not until the early 1960s that it earned its reputation as a highly prized Parisian spot. Its prestige was significantly due to its geographic location on the Champs-Élysées, just steps away from the Arc de Triomphe.
In 1995, its range of games (previously limited to bridge, baccarat, blackjack, backgammon, or punto banco) expanded to include poker. This was a very important step in popularizing the game in France. In 2003, the organization of the first Grand Prix de Paris marked another milestone. This international poker tournament, which was also the first World Poker Tour event held outside American territory, was the first in a long series of WPT events at the ACF.
A Place of Life and Passion
Between 1995 and 2014, the success of the Aviation Club de France did not wane. Every day, hundreds of enthusiasts flocked there throughout the day to indulge in their favorite games: Texas Hold'em, Poker 21, Punto Banco, Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker...
For some, it was a meeting place, and for others, a second home. In 2010, the ACF even ventured into the world of online gaming. Following the opening of the French market, the establishment launched its own platform approved by ARJEL: ACFPoker.fr.
During this period, the ACF was at the peak of its popularity. The club, which employed about 200 staff and had thousands of loyal members, seemed unshakable. Even the increase in membership fees (which led some to view it as an elitist establishment) and the end of the annual World Poker Tour events did not undermine its success.
The End of a Beautiful Story
Tuesday, September 16th, around 6 a.m., a thunderbolt on the Champs-Élysées! Several dozen police officers storm into the ACF. After an identity check, the players present are questioned about the circulation of money within the club: management of the prize pools, entrance fees, bad beat jackpot, tips...
It quickly becomes apparent that the investigators' questions focus on potential cases of undeclared work and breach of trust. A first sanction quickly falls: the club will have to close its doors for the entire duration of the investigation. This decision leaves the 213 employees of the establishment in limbo, challenges the possibility of the club obtaining a renewal of its authorization, and casts doubt on its long-term future.
The closure of the ACF is experienced as a stab in the heart by its teams and its clients. Everyone mobilizes in their own way to raise public awareness, gain government support, and above all, convince the judges that the club must be reopened without delay.
The fight is unfortunately lost from the start. At the beginning of 2015, the verdict is rendered in the form of a judicial liquidation by the Tribunal de Grande Instance of Paris. Unable to make payments, the Parisian poker temple will never reopen its doors. Its assets are even sold off with the goal of paying off its debts. An ending as sad as it is abrupt for an establishment that deserved a better epilogue.
(@Fran traduction)
Pron:
Last edited:
