Gambling and online casinos in Morocco

Morocco is one of the few Muslim states where gambling is partially legalized.

The country combines Islamic traditions with economic pragmatism, allowing casinos and bookmakers aimed at foreigners and tourists.

This makes Morocco an important center of gambling tourism in North Africa, along with Tunisia and Egypt.

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Religious and legal basis

Islam is the official religion of Morocco, and the Constitution (Article 3) enshrines that "Islam is the religion of the state," and all laws must respect its principles.

Sharia condemns gambling (maysir) as a "sin and devilish ploy."

• However, the Moroccan legal system is based on a mixed model -

religious principles are combined with French-style civil law.

Thanks to this, a compromise approach has been formed in the country:

• gambling is illegal for Muslims but allowed for foreigners and tourists in licensed establishments.

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Legislation and regulation

Main acts:

1. Decree No. 1-59-413 (1959) - regulates the organization of gambling.

2. Law No. 04-71 (on casinos and gaming establishments) - establishes a system of licenses.

3. Penal Code (Articles 282-285) - prohibits gambling for Muslim citizens.

4. Cybercrime Act (2009) - Classifies online gambling as "illegal digital activity."

Regulation principle:

• foreigners can play freely;
• Moroccan citizens are not allowed in casinos;
• licenses are issued by the Ministry of the Interior;
• control is carried out by the Ministry of Tourism and Economy.

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Land-based casinos

Morocco has the most developed casino industry in the Arab world.

The first casino opened back in 1952 in Casablanca, and since then the country has become a regional center for gambling tourism.

Morocco's largest casinos:

• Casino de Marrakech Es Saadi - the oldest casino in the country, has been operating since 1952;
• Atlantic Palace Casino (Agadir) is one of the most famous on the coast;
• Casino de Casablanca is a modern gaming complex at the Hyatt Regency;
• Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort Casino (El Jadida) is North Africa's largest casino;
• Casino Malabata (Tangier) is a popular destination for European tourists.

All casinos operate under state licenses and pay high taxes.

Revenues from the gambling sector are directed to the tourism and infrastructure industries.

According to Africa Gaming Report 2024, gross casino revenue in Morocco exceeds $250 million per year, and the industry provides more than 5,000 jobs.

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Online gambling

Formally, online casinos and online betting are prohibited because they are not regulated by national law.

However, the state does not block offshore sites, and thousands of users visit international platforms every day.

Popular brands among players from Morocco:

• 1xBet, Bet365, Stake, BC. Game, BetWinner, PokerStars, 888Casino.

Main payment methods:

• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT, Tron);
• Skrill, Jeton, AstroPay, Neteller;
• virtual cards issued in Europe or Malta.

According to the North Africa Online Gaming Review 2024, about 600,000 Moroccan residents have participated in online gambling at least once, and the shadow market is estimated at $800 million annually.

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Control and supervision

Control over the gambling sector is carried out by:

• Home Office - Casino Licensing and Security;
• Ministry of Tourism - supervision of the tourism component;
• National Cybersecurity Agency - Online Activity Monitoring.

The authorities do not carry out massive blocking of sites, but can prosecute administrators of illegal online games.

In 2023, several Telegram groups offering "private sports betting" were closed on charges of "harming public morality."

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Economic and tourism aspects

Morocco receives more than 12 million tourists annually, and casinos play an important role in the structure of the tourist product.

Large gambling complexes combine:

• premium hotels;
• restaurants and concert halls;
• golf courses and spa areas.

Casinos are aimed at customers from Europe, especially France, Spain and Italy.

They create an additional flow of currency that contributes to the development of coastal infrastructure.

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Social and cultural context

The separation of opinions remains in society:

• conservative Muslims consider casinos a "sin";
• young people and the business environment see them as an "economic opportunity."

Gambling among locals is a socially disapproved phenomenon, so most prefer online gambling through anonymous VPNs.

Nevertheless, the authorities do not seek a total ban, understanding the importance of the sector for the economy and the country's image.

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Prospects

Short-term: retaining existing model -

casino only for foreigners, online gambling is illegal.

Medium-term: the possible creation of a national license for online operators operating in an offshore format.

Long-term: the development of gambling tourism as part of the strategy "Morocco is the center of entertainment in Africa."

Experts predict that by 2030

Morocco will become the leading gambling tourism market in North Africa, surpassing Egypt in terms of casino profits.

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Morocco is a unique example of an Islamic country where gambling is illegal for citizens but legalised and controlled for tourists.

Online gambling remains in the gray zone, but growing digitalization and economic openness are gradually bringing the country closer to a regulated and profitable gambling market.