Morocco Gambling Regulation - Casino Laws in Morocco

Gambling Regulation Morocco, officially known as the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country in North Africa, located in the Maghreb region. Morocco is one of the continent’s more powerful nations and has managed to maintain its independence throughout most of its history. The most widely practiced religion in the country is Islam. However, it is freedom of religion that plays a major role in shaping Morocco’s legal framework. Since Morocco embraces different cultures and beliefs, its laws often differ from those in other Muslim countries.

While gambling is prohibited in most Islamic countries, Morocco has legalized most forms of gambling. The country hosts several land-based casinos, the oldest of which has been in operation since 1952. The casino industry in Morocco may not be as large as some international markets, but it is definitely one of the most prominent in Africa.

Even though land-based gambling is legal in Morocco, online gambling remains largely unregulated. Similar to many other African countries, Morocco has not taken any serious measures to ban online gambling, leaving players free to gamble on foreign gaming sites. Because there are no legal consequences, Moroccans often choose to play at offshore online casinos, many of which cater specifically to players from Morocco. Unfortunately, because this activity is not regulated in Morocco, there is little protection for those playing on foreign sites.

Land-based casinos in Morocco trace their origins to the period of French rule. The first brick-and-mortar casino opened in 1952 as part of the Es Saadi Hotel in Marrakech. Casino de Marrakech still operates today, making it the oldest land-based casino in Morocco.

In 1956, the country regained its independence, which paved the way for many more brick-and-mortar casinos. Because Morocco was under French control until the mid-20th century, the country’s gambling legal system is largely based on the French code rather than Sharia law, which many other Muslim countries follow. After the Prime Minister issued a decree in 2002, casino establishments in Morocco began operating legally.

Legalization of Brick-and-Mortar Casino Facilities

Other Legal Forms of Gambling in Morocco

Legalization of Brick-and-Mortar Casino Facilities

Although casinos were first legalized in Morocco during French rule, they were legalized again after the country regained independence. This occurred through a letter from the Prime Minister to the Reviver of Tourism in 2002, which outlined both the legalization and the licensing of casinos in Morocco.

For an operator to obtain a license, the Prime Minister, the Minister of the Interior, and the Minister of Finance must sign and approve a decree. The decree must specify the casino’s launch date and the types of games it is authorized to offer.

Currently, five Moroccan cities host land-based casinos, with Agadir ranking as the country’s largest gambling hub. The city has three brick-and-mortar casinos that offer more than 300 slot machines, over 20 classic table games, and numerous video poker machines.

The largest casino in Morocco is in El Jadida and forms part of the Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort. Guests can enjoy more than 40 table games, 10 poker tables, and over 450 video and poker machines. To accommodate different preferences, the casino also features a sports betting area where punters can wager on various sporting events.

Other Legal Forms of Gambling in Morocco

Lottery games are also legal in Morocco. The country’s first lottery launched in 1962 in Casablanca. Ten years later, Marocaine Jeux et Sports was replaced by Nationale Loterie, also based in Casablanca. Both lotteries are run by the government, and in 2009 they went online. Because online gambling is not properly regulated under Moroccan law, many players also participate in foreign lotteries available on the internet.

Given the legalization of land-based casinos and the introduction of two state lotteries, one might assume lawmakers fully support more relaxed gambling rules. However, in 2012 the live broadcasting of lottery draws was banned following Minister of Telecommunications Mustafa al-Khalfim’s strong disapproval of gambling advertising in Moroccan media.

In 2022, the state-owned company that regulates lotteries, La Marocaine des Jeux et des Sports (MDJS), announced that it was seeking a new lottery operator. The selected company would receive an eight-year license to run the two state lotteries on behalf of MDJS.

Sports betting is not illegal in Morocco, but punters have very limited options; Moroccan bettors can usually wager only on a few football events involving the national team. Horse racing betting, by contrast, represents a substantial part of the country’s gambling activity. This sector is strictly regulated by the Royal Society for Horse Encouragement (SOREC), which manages about 30 brands and 500 points of sale nationwide.

Online Gambling Regulations in Morocco

Although land-based casinos are legal in Morocco, online gambling is not regulated in any way. Because no laws mention online gambling, operators cannot apply for a license to offer virtual casino games to Moroccan players.

While there are no Moroccan online casinos, locals often play on offshore websites. With no regulations imposed on online gambling, those who wager on foreign sites face no legal consequences. This is why players can find numerous offshore online casinos that welcome users from Morocco and can even be loaded in Arabic or French to meet their needs.

There is some speculation that Morocco may introduce laws to legalize online gambling in the future. That said, the sector currently remains unregulated, and Moroccans often turn to foreign websites to wager real money on casino games. Unfortunately, the lack of online gambling regulations also affects the safety of Moroccan players. Because no laws are in effect, there is no way to provide real player protection for those who gamble online at foreign websites.

Closing Thoughts

Conclusion While Morocco is an African country with a predominantly Muslim population, gambling is a regulated and legal activity. Even after regaining independence, the country was still heavily influenced by the French legal code, and many of its laws are generally more lenient than those in other Muslim countries.

Gambling was introduced while the country was under French rule and was legalized again after Morocco regained independence. Thanks to a decree signed by the Prime Minister in 2002, land-based casinos were legalized in Morocco, and the country now boasts several top-notch brick-and-mortar casino facilities.

Winnings generated through legal gambling activities in Morocco are not taxable, so players do not have to worry about paying any dues when playing in a casino or the state lottery. However, licensed casino operators, as well as the operator that runs the state lottery, must pay taxes.

Although the country has been ahead of many other African nations in legalizing land-based gambling, there are still no relevant regulations for online gambling. With Moroccans facing no legal consequences for playing online, many individuals turn to foreign websites. While many believe Morocco could benefit from a regulated online gambling sector, there are currently no signs of any changes to the country’s gambling legal framework.