Morocco’s offshore betting tax now in full swing, ending years of untaxed winnings
New 30 per cent tax on offshore betting winnings marks a sweeping crackdown on untaxed gambling, aiming to boost public welfare and tighten financial regulation in the country.
Morocco.- Morocco’s 30 per cent withholding tax on winnings from foreign betting platforms took off earlier this month and is now in full swing, bringing increased oversight, greater transparency and clearer rules for players across the country.
The new measures focus on major offshore platforms that have quickly become favourites among Moroccan players, reflecting the growing interest in international betting options. Deputy Budget Minister Fouzi Lekjaa said offshore operators were operating “in inappropriate ways”, according to Hespress AR.
The General Directorate of Taxes is enforcing the measure through banks and financial intermediaries responsible for disbursing gambling winnings. Taxpayers are now required to declare and pay the withheld tax using a newly launched digital platform, with deadlines set for the end of the month following their earnings.
New tax framework closes offshore betting loopholes
An internal risk assessment reportedly raised red flags over certain platforms for slipping through the cracks with unregulated payment systems, sidestepping Morocco’s tight foreign exchange laws and funnelling funds through crypto wallets, a practice strictly banned by local regulators.
Prior to the July ruling coming into effect, Moroccan players could gamble freely on foreign platforms with zero tax exposure, diverting potentially hundreds of millions of dirhams outside the country annually. That loophole is now closed.
Moroccan users also previously reported difficulties withdrawing their winnings from these platforms, raising more concerns about transparency and legality.
With the new rules embedded in the 2025 Finance Bill, the government has also introduced an additional 2 per cent “solidarity contribution” on foreign online gambling winnings.
This charge, collected alongside the main levy, will fund public welfare initiatives from rural development to educational programs and support for vulnerable households.
