The Moroccan government officially began this month to levy a 30% withholding tax on bonuses issued by foreign gambling platforms, marking a comprehensive rectification of the long-term untaxed offshore gambling bonus activities. This measure aims to enhance the transparency of gambling regulation, standardize market order, and increase public fiscal revenue to support social welfare projects.
This new tax regulation specifically targets the increasingly popular international offshore gambling platforms among Moroccan players. Deputy Minister of Budget Fouzi Lekjaa pointed out that some offshore operators have adopted non-compliant operating methods, bypassing the regulatory system. The tax authority enforces this tax policy through banks and financial intermediaries, and taxpayers must declare and pay the tax by the end of the month following the bonus issuance through a newly established digital platform.
The new tax system effectively plugs the previous regulatory loopholes and addresses the issue of foreign platforms using informal payment channels to evade Moroccan foreign exchange laws and regulations, including illegal activities involving cryptocurrency wallet transfers. Previously, Moroccan players on these platforms were not required to pay taxes, resulting in the loss of hundreds of millions of dirhams in bonus funds each year.
Moreover, Moroccan users have reported difficulties in withdrawing bonuses, exposing the lack of transparency and legality of the platforms. According to the 2025 Finance Act, the government will also impose a 2% "solidarity contribution" fee on foreign online gambling bonus amounts, with all tax revenues being used for public welfare projects such as rural development, education, and assistance to vulnerable families.
This initiative reflects Morocco's determination and efforts in combating untaxed gambling winnings, protecting national economic security, and promoting social equity.
