Isidore Partouche, founder of the Partouche casinos, has died

"The Partouche group, its supervisory board, its management board and all of its employees salute the memory of an exceptional founder, whose legacy will continue to enlighten future generations and the entire profession," it was stated.

Born in French Algeria in Trezel on April 21, 1931, he was for a time a radio electrician and dealer for Philips.

Then in 1973, having just repatriated from Algeria, he and his brothers and sisters bought the Saint-Amand-les-Eaux casino, as well as its thermal spa and mineral water source, at the bar of the commercial court.

The group, now among the European leaders and number two in the sector in France behind Barrière, has 44 casinos in France, Europe and Tunisia as well as 12 hotels, 44 restaurants and two golf courses.

The group, which was listed on the stock market in 1995, employs more than 3,500 people.

"Isidore Partouche has succeeded in transforming a family adventure into a group that has become a key player in the leisure sector," the press release said.

From the 2000s onwards, Isidore Partouche gradually handed over the reins to his son Patrick, "ensuring the continuity of a project deeply rooted in family and entrepreneurial values," according to the press release.