Morocco Cracks Down on Illegal Sports Betting, Files Lawsuit Against 1xbet Platform

By: Iman Alaoui | ALDAR

In a firm move to curb the growing phenomenon of illegal online sports betting, Morocco’s national lottery and betting operator, La Marocaine des Jeux et des Sports (MDJS), has officially filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office against the international platform 1xbet, which specializes in online sports wagering. The announcement was made by Khalid Nili, a senior official at the state-owned company, in a statement to Asharq News.

This legal action comes as Morocco prepares to host several major international sporting events, most notably the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom will co-host with Spain and Portugal. These developments place greater emphasis on regulating the sports betting sector both legally and administratively.

Founded in 1962, the MDJS operates as a public entity with exclusive rights to organize and manage all betting activities related to sporting competitions, including virtual sports. Alongside it, the Société Royale d’Encouragement du Cheval holds the monopoly over horse racing bets, while the National Lottery Company is in charge of running national lottery competitions.

Observers have warned of the increasing activity of illegal betting platforms operating outside Morocco’s legal and fiscal frameworks. These platforms not only undermine the economic and sports ecosystems but also pose a social threat, especially to young people who are often targeted through aggressive online marketing campaigns.

Through this legal pursuit and broader enforcement actions, Moroccan authorities aim to bolster transparency and oversight of the betting market. Their goal is to ensure all operators comply with national legislation—particularly as Morocco seeks to present itself as a well-regulated and capable host for the global sporting events on the horizon.