Morocco is quickly becoming North Africa’s digital gaming hub, with iGaming and e-sports pushing the country to the front of a booming regional market. As internet and smartphone use soar, and 66% of the population is under 35, Morocco is laying the groundwork to become a regional leader in gaming, Igaming Today reported.
The government has declared the sector a national priority. It’s investing in innovation hubs such as Rabat Gaming City, organizing expos, and passing laws, including a new 30% tax on online gambling winnings and a 2% solidarity levy to fund social projects. These moves signal that Morocco wants to regulate, tax, and benefit from the digital gaming economy.
According to iGaming Today, total gambling revenue in Morocco, including casinos, sports betting, and lotteries, is projected to hit USD 1.14 billion in 2025 and rise to USD 1.23 billion by 2029. Casino revenue alone is expected to reach USD 700 million in 2025, while sports betting may bring in USD 172 million. Nearly 30% of Moroccan adults placed sports bets at some time within the past year.
While land-based gambling is tightly regulated under laws dating back to 1966, online gambling is still a legal gray zone. The state maintains a monopoly on lottery and sports betting.
However, foreign platforms such as bet365 and PokerStars have carved out a growing user base by offering Arabic- and French-language platforms and a wide range of digital payment options. Moroccan law neither explicitly bans nor licenses online play, creating a fragmented market ripe for reform.
The Finance Bill, passed in 2025, introduced the country’s first significant attempt to control the booming offshore market. The new tax, deducted by banks and payment providers, aims to integrate online gambling into the formal economy. The 2% solidarity contribution will help fund education, rural development, and support for vulnerable communities.
“The government is using existing anti-money laundering tools and financial tracking systems to enforce these taxes,” iGaming Today reported. “Operators and players who fail to comply may face fines.”
Meanwhile, the demographics show strong future demand. Nearly a quarter of Moroccans play video games, and half of all gamers are between 15 and 24. Mobile phones dominate access, with young people averaging 80 minutes a day gaming. While men make up the majority of players, the rate of women’s participation is rising, particularly in mobile and social gaming.
Football dominates sports betting, but e-sports are quickly gaining ground. Local tournaments feature global titles such as Valorant, Free Fire, and EA SPORTS FC 25. Government-backed initiatives and telecom players, including Inwi, have begun sponsoring events and investing in the esports ecosystem.
Local enterprises such as La Marocaine des Jeux et des Sports (MDJS) dominate land-based betting and lotteries. Private operators run casinos in Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir. But offshore companies lead the digital race, thanks to Morocco’s lack of online gambling regulation.
Although cryptocurrency is banned in Morocco and local licensing for online platforms does not exist yet, public discussions and government-industry forums suggest regulation is on the horizon. Licensing, local oversight, and increased player protection are all under consideration.
Morocco is walking a fine line between digital expansion and social accountability. Policymakers are cautious about cultural and religious sensitivities surrounding gambling. But at the same time, high youth unemployment and economic diversification goals are fueling major investment into gaming as a job-creating industry.
For investors and operators, the opportunity is clear. The country’s young, mobile-first population is digitally literate and culturally engaged. The state is signaling openness to reform. But there is uncertainty around timelines and enforcement.
iGaming Today reported that industry insiders believe Morocco is at a “critical juncture.” The new taxes are a first step toward a regulated iGaming sector. The next may be a licensing framework that brings online play into the formal economy.
With strong growth, an active player base, and government backing, Morocco could soon become North Africa’s iGaming capital, if it can deliver on its promise of effective and fair regulation and transparency.
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