By Damian Martinez, journalist at G&M News.
The sun-kissed streets of Marrakech, the bustling markets of Fez, and the enchanting medinas of Rabat, all evoke a sense of mystique and allure. But beyond the vibrant tapestry of Moroccan culture, lies another realm, one where fortunes are wagered, dice tumble, and cards shuffle.
Gambling is legal in Morocco since 1930. The first form of wagering to be legalized was horse racing betting on the first horse racing track of the country, the Hippodrome de Casa-Anfa in Casablanca, the largest city of in Morocco. This was followed by lottery segment.
Back to the days when Morocco was under French rule, the first brick-and-mortar casino emerged, a glittering jewel within the Es Saadi Hotel. In the heart of Marrakech, the Casino de Marrakech stands as a testament to time. Established in 1952, this venerable property has weathered political upheavals, cultural shifts, and the sands of the Sahara. Its crimson carpets, chandeliers, and roulette wheels have witnessed whispered secrets, clandestine rendezvous, and the clinking of chips. Casino de Marrakech -the grand dame of Moroccan gambling- still beckons players from across the globe.
As the country regained its independence from France in 1956 and from Spain in 1958, the casino industry blossomed. Today, Morocco boasts several land-based casinos, each with its own tale to tell.
THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE
Morocco’s legal framework dances between tradition and pragmatism. While most Islamic countries frown upon gambling, Morocco takes a different path. Here, the freedom of religion intertwines with the French legal code, shaping the rules of play. The call to prayer echoes alongside the roulette wheel’s spin, a harmonious combination.
Land-based casinos are the stars of this show. They adorn cities like jewels. These establishments, bedecked in opulence, cater to both locals and tourists. Located in El Jadida, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is one of the largest casinos in Morocco, with a gaming floor spanning over 3,000 square meters. The casino offers over 450 slot machines and 37 table games, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker.
In the luxurious La Mamounia hotel in Marrakech, Le Grand Casino La Mamounia is a popular destination for high rollers. The casino offers over 150 slot machines and 20 table games, also offering roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker.
Situated in the northern city of Tangier, Casino Tanger is one of the oldest casinos in Morocco, with a gaming floor of around 2,000 square meters. The casino has over 100 slot machines and 25 table games, with the same beforementioned products.
The legal gambling age? 18 years old. Step inside, and you’ll find blackjack tables, slot machines, and baccarat, each one like a siren’s song to fortune.
On the other hand, lottery and sports betting are strictly monopolies of the state. Sports betting is actually conducted by three separate entities in Morocco, all of them owned by the state. In fact, the government is strongly involved in the gambling sector of Morocco.
The Société des Courses de Lévriers du Maroc (SCLM) has a monopoly on greyhound racing betting since 1950, the Marocaine des Jeux & des Sports (MDJS) has a monopoly on lottery, lottery-like games, and sports betting since 1972, and the Société Royale d’Encouragement du Cheval (SOREC) has a monopoly on horse racing betting since 2003.
By far, the biggest of these gambling companies is MDJS, which received permission in 2009 to sell lottery tickets and conduct sports betting online on the national lottery’s website and mobile application. However, no further licenses were issued ever since. Additionally, the other state-owned gambling companies do not allow bettors to place bets online.
THE ENIGMA OF ONLINE GAMBLING
Yet, there’s a digital undercurrent, a shadowy realm where the law hesitates to tread. Online gambling remains in uncharted waters. No regulations, no licenses. Moroccans, savvy and curious, navigate foreign websites. Virtual casinos, hosted beyond Moroccan borders, beckon with promises of jackpots and thrills. But tread carefully, for here lies the paradox: while land-based casinos are legal and regulated, their online counterparts remain in the dark.
No legal consequences await for those who wager on offshore platforms. The roulette wheel spins silently in cyberspace, and the cards are dealt unseen. Moroccans, like nomads of chance, seek refuge in this digital oasis. They do so without the protective cloak of regulation. The risks are theirs to bear.
As the sun dips below the Atlas Mountains, we ponder the future. Will Morocco embrace online gambling, weaving it into the rich fabric of its casino tapestry? Or will it remain an enigma, an uncharted desert, where algorithms replace croupiers and pixels mimic dice?
Several executives from land-based gaming companies based in Marruecos will be attending G&M Events Portugal in Lisbon (March 26th, 2024, at SUD Lisboa restaurant) and G&M Events Spain in Cadiz (April 3-4th, 2024, at Admiral Casino & Lodge San Roque) to talk about the opportunities that the region can provide. Operators interested in participating can register for free and providers can purchase tickets by contacting Sebastian Luna at sebastian@g-mnews.com.