Morocco Eyes iGaming Boom as Digital Shift Rewrites North Africa’s Entertainment Economy

Morocco is rapidly positioning itself as a digital gaming leader in North Africa, with a robust iGaming and e-sports push that reflects its tech-savvy population and evolving economy.

With 66% of Moroccans under the age of 35, the country is embracing its youthful demographic to fuel a digital entertainment revolution.

Recognizing the potential, Moroccan authorities have declared gaming and iGaming a national development priority. The government has already launched investments in infrastructure, including the ambitious Rabat Gaming City, and is supporting the sector through expos and newly introduced legislation, such as a 30% tax on online gambling winnings and a 2% solidarity levy to fund public welfare projects.

These fiscal moves mark Morocco’s intent to regulate, monetize, and integrate online gaming into its formal economy. The total gambling revenues are expected to hit USD 1.14 billion by 2025, with projections climbing to USD 1.23 billion by 2029. Casinos are forecasted to account for USD 700 million in 2025, while sports betting could bring in USD 172 million. Notably, nearly 30% of Moroccan adults have placed sports bets in the past year.

Although land-based gambling has been tightly regulated since 1966, online gambling remains a legal gray area. The state retains monopoly control over the national lottery and sports betting, but foreign platforms like bet365 and PokerStars continue to grow their Moroccan user bases. These platforms cater to local players through Arabic and French interfaces and broad digital payment options, filling the vacuum left by a lack of domestic licensing.

Efforts to reign in the offshore market began in earnest with the 2025 Finance Bill, Morocco’s first major legislative step toward controlling digital wagering. The new 30% tax is to be withheld by banks and payment processors, while the 2% solidarity levy will channel proceeds toward education, rural development, and support for vulnerable populations.

Morocco’s gaming appetite is also evident in its demographics. About 25% of Moroccans play video games, and among them, half are aged 15 to 24. Mobile gaming dominates, with young players spending an average of 80 minutes per day on their phones. While male gamers still form the majority, female participation is rising steadily, especially in mobile and social gaming segments.

In sports betting, football remains the most popular category, but e-sports is fast gaining traction. Locally hosted tournaments now feature blockbuster titles like Valorant, Free Fire, and EA SPORTS FC 25. Backed by government support, local telecom players like Inwi are now sponsoring tournaments and investing in the e-sports ecosystem, marking a significant step toward digital entertainment infrastructure.

Land-based betting is currently dominated by La Marocaine des Jeux et des Sports (MDJS), while private operators manage casinos in Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir. However, the digital sector is still largely in the hands of unregulated foreign platforms, thanks to Morocco’s absence of specific laws governing online gambling.

Cryptocurrency use in gambling remains banned, and no local licensing system for digital betting exists yet. However, discussions between regulators and private industry suggest that this could change soon. A future licensing framework may introduce local oversight, consumer protections, and formal player regulation.

The Moroccan government is treading a delicate path between digital growth and social responsibility. Authorities remain sensitive to the cultural and religious issues surrounding gambling, but are also driven by youth unemployment and a national push for economic diversification. This dual pressure is what’s driving investment into gaming as a job-creating industry.

For global iGaming operators, the Moroccan market is proving increasingly attractive. The country offers a mobile-first, digitally literate, and culturally engaged population, paired with early signs of regulatory reform.

If Morocco follows through with transparent and effective oversight, it stands poised to become North Africa’s iGaming capital—with the potential to redefine both its digital economy and cultural footprint. 

By fLEXI tEAM