The robbers stole a sum of money whose amount is not yet known, and which belonged to the casino, before fleeing, officials said the same source.

According to the Daily Mirror, the alleged crooks have attracted attention, pocketing huge gains at the wheel of the Ritz Hotel last week. Police are investigating the possibility that the trio had used a laser hidden in a mobile phone to calculate the speed of the ball on the wheel and guess the winning numbers. The suspects were released on bail. They must report to police on March 30. The casino has declined comment.

The year 2004 promises to be a year of great work for the powerful SBM (Société des Bains de Mer), which manages much of the Park Hotel in Monaco. The SBM, which recorded a decline in sales for the year 2002-2003 (year ended March 31, 2003) nevertheless continues to press the accelerator to increase its hotel portfolio Deluxe hotels and renovate existing ones.

During 2002-2003, an amount of 43.4 million euros had been invested in these operations. An amount representing almost 15% of sales (320 million euros). Much of this money has been placed on building a new four star hotel on the peninsula Larvotto. A new luxury hotel will open on 1 October 2005 and will contribute greatly to increase the overall number of rooms managed by the company against 641 to 978 today. A third more!

The hotel investments of SBM does not stop there. Virtually all institutions of the group are the subject of a major refurbishment, or an extension. This work is intended to increase capacity but also to maintain the standing and the exception of those establishments legend. In late April, following a major renovation and operation elevation (4,200 m2 on two additional levels), the Hermitage Hotel has 292 rooms and suites against 229 before.

The Hotel de Paris, “navira admiral” of SBM attacked in December a period of six months of work that should restore all its splendor. The sumptuous Salle Empire as well as 14 suites and 12 rooms at the front “Casino” to reopen the Grand Prix Formula 1 on 20 May. If this “Palace of Palaces” Monaco will always be with 119 rooms and 72 suites, he finds himself once again on top of the luxury hotel and dream. Hotel Mirabeau, meanwhile, continues as a major facelift launched in early October. The first phase of this renovation will be completed in late April. Its capacity (103 rooms) will remain the same. In May, seven room witnessed three different designs will be tested before a customer does decide the final aesthetic options.

Just one project of SBM can be completed: the extension of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel, 55 rooms. In the long board, this project is not feasible for reasons of administrative recently announced Bernard Lambert, CEO of SBM. The hotel is indeed on French territory and what would have been possible side Monaco is not necessarily the other side of the border.

Last Wednesday, a police operation was conducted on the premises. Initially, three cashiers were arrested. These employees were quickly denounced three types of maneuvers regularly practiced to the detriment of customers for many years. Before the changeover to the euro in particular, foreigners were misled about the exchange rate. The players were also abused on the value or the number of tokens that they were given in exchange for their money. Employees realize admitted and profits from 1,000 to 2,000 euros per month.

The investigation then revealed another larger-scale fraud, the taxman that. Four counts of room, that is to say those responsible gaming tables, admitted being bribed. When closing the tables, they shut their eyes to certain amounts earned by the “bank”.

This practice, used since 1997, allowed to make profits on the black and thus avoid tax. By law, however, the counting tables is performed in the presence of a casino’s director and an agent of contributions. The overall damage, supposedly very important, has not yet been estimated. The leaders are talking about room to 500 euros evaded every time.

Three of the four managing directors, including Chief Armand Kaida, were also arrested for bribery and breach of the legislation on taxes. But they deny the accusations. Staff members are themselves the subject of arrest warrants for fraud, conspiracy and bribery.

The daily activities of the institution Namur can continue for now. Approximately one hundred and fifty people are employed.

It all began in March 1995 when, playing for the first time, Jean-Philippe Bryk pocketed 1500 euros, torn from the slot machines. He returned a few days later and it’s the jackpot: 15 000 euros! Then he takes the game so that it becomes in his “junkie”. He plays everything, salaries, inheritance, borrowed from left and right and gradually sinks into the hell of his new vice. His life is punctuated by more losses and gains dropped or swallowed by “armed bandits”. Until the fall.

Today, “after seven months of withdrawal, he decided to subpoena the company’s Grand Casino for” abuse of civil weakness, said his lawyer Gilles-Jean Portejoie. Because the casino has not only left to settle the dependence on the game, but he let grow. ”

“Nobody forced me to go to the casino,” admits Jean-Philippe Bryk. But there must have protections for gamblers like me. Not be allowed to play can not suffice, the casinos do not verify the identity of the players in the halls of slot machines. ”

I think Mr. Bryk complains of his freedom and his free will against attack Patrick Partouche , CEO of the group. We will respond to the summons, but beyond that, there is a question: should we applaud all legal proceedings such as those who opposed to cigarette smokers? “