Gambling and online casinos in Mauritius

Mauritius is one of the most stable and economically developed islands in the Indian Ocean, known not only for its beaches and financial services, but also for its highly organized gambling sector.

Gambling is allowed and highly regulated here, and the state views the industry as part of the tourism and digital economy.

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Historical context

Gambling in Mauritius appeared in the 19th century, when French and British colonists held private card games and races.

The modern history of gambling began in 1973 with the opening of the first Casino de Maurice in the city of Kurepip.

In 2007, the government established the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) -

a central body that regulates all types of gambling, including online gambling and interactive betting.

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Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by the following laws:

• Gambling Regulatory Authority Act 2007 - the main regulatory act;
• Gaming Act 2019 - amendments covering online games and eGaming;
• Lotteries Act - regulation of public and private lotteries.

Regulator: Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA)

administered by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development.

Main provisions:

• the license is mandatory for all operators;
• license validity period - 5 years;
• the minimum age of a player is 18 years;
• Gross Revenue Tax (GGR) - 15% for casinos and 20% for online platforms;
• gambling advertising is limited and requires GRA approval;
• online gambling is allowed only through licensed domains. mu.

GRA is known for its transparent approach -

it requires full reporting, auditing and compliance with international AML/KYC standards.

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Legal forms of gambling

In Mauritius, the following are legally operating:

• casinos and gaming clubs;
• online casinos and sports betting;
• lotteries and instant draws;
• sweepstakes and bingo;
• virtual and live games.

Major operators:

• Casino de Maurice is the oldest casino in the country;
• Senator Club Port Louis is a popular casino in the capital;
• Le Caudan Waterfront Casino is a tourist entertainment centre;
• Premier Bet Mauritius, Betway, Hollywoodbets are online bookmakers with a GRA licence;
• Loterie Nationale de Maurice is a state lottery.

There are more than 10 casinos and over 100 licensed betting points in the country, and online games are becoming more and more popular among locals and tourists.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in Mauritius has been officially allowed since 2019.

GRA implemented the eGaming License system, allowing operators to provide online services subject to local registration.

Popular destinations:

• online sports and esports betting;
• slots, roulette, poker and live games;
• virtual lotteries and bingo;
• mobile casinos and applications.

Payment systems:

• My. T Money, Emtel Cash, Juice by MCB - local wallets;
• bank cards Mauritius Commercial Bank, SBM, ABSA Mauritius;
• cryptocurrencies are allowed when registering under a fintech license.

According to the Indian Ocean Gaming Report 2024, there are more than 250,000 active online players in the country, and the annual market turnover is estimated at $120-150 million.

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Economic role

Gambling is an important element of Mauritius' tourism and financial economy.

Key indicators (2024):

• contribution to GDP - 1.1%;
• tax revenues - $20 million;
• more than 2,500 jobs in casino, IT and marketing;
• online sector growth - up to 25% per year.

GRA actively cooperates with the Financial Services Commission (FSC)

to integrate gambling into the digital economy and fintech sector.

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Social and cultural context

Mauritius is a multicultural and secular society where gambling is perceived as a form of leisure and tourism.

At the same time, the government emphasizes the importance of a responsible approach.

The regulator requires operators to:

• availability of self-limiting and blocking tools;
• setting betting limits and game times;
• mandatory notifications of addiction risks.

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Prospects

Mauritius aims to become the leading eGaming hub of the Indian Ocean, combining financial stability, low taxes and developed infrastructure.

Key areas of development until 2030:

• the creation of the National Licensing Center eGaming Mauritius;
• integration of blockchain technologies for license control;
• development of casino resorts in the north and south of the island;
• support for esports and mobile gaming startups.

Forecast: by 2030, the gambling market in Mauritius will reach $300 million, of which up to 70% will be in the online segment.

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Mauritius is Africa's modern and law-abiding gambling hub, combining a stable economy, strict supervision and innovative solutions.

GRA licenses are valued for transparency, and tourist casinos for a high level of service.