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 for gambling tourism in North Africa,

along with Tunisia and Egypt.

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 prohibited for Muslims,
but allowed for foreigners and tourists in licensed establishments.

💡"We keep our faith, but the world is open,
and tourism requires a modern approach"
(From a speech by a spokesman for the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, 2022)

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.

Land-based casinos

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

The first casino opened back in 1952 in Casablanca,

and the country has since become a regional hub 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.

Africa Gaming Report 2024,

gross casino revenue in Morocco exceeds $250 million per year,

and the industry provides more than 5,000 jobs.

Online gambling

Formally, online casinos and online betting are prohibited,

as not regulated by national law.

However, the state does not block offshore sites,

and thousands of users log on to 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 North Africa Online Gaming Review 2024,

about 600,000 Moroccan residents have participated in online gambling at least once,

and the volume of the "shadow" market is estimated at $800 million annually.

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 may harass administrators of illegal online games.

In 2023, several Telegram groups offering "private sports betting"

were closed on charges of "harming public morality."

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 from France, Spain and Italy.

They create an additional currency flow,

which promotes coastal infrastructure.

💡"Morocco is the Las Vegas of the Arab world,
where the game is not taboo but part of modern tourism"
(Maghreb Business Insight analyst comment)

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 local residents is a socially disapproved phenomenon,

therefore, most prefer online gambling via anonymous VPNs.

However, the authorities do not seek a total ban,

understanding the importance of the sector to the economy and the country's image.

Prospects

Short-term: retaining existing model -

casino only for foreigners, online gambling is illegal.

Medium-term: possible creation of a national license for online operators,

working in 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 North Africa's leading gambling tourism market,

surpassing Egypt in terms of casino profits.

Morocco is a unique example of an Islamic country,

where gambling is prohibited for citizens,

but legalized and controlled for tourists.

💡Here faith and business have found a balance:
Moroccans maintain religious traditions,
and the state receives income from international tourism.

Online gambling still remains in the "gray zone,"

but growing digitalization and openness of the economy

gradually bringing the country closer to a regulated and profitable gambling market.