Morocco Appeal Court Keeps Offshore Gambling Open

A dispute over access to foreign gambling websites has taken another turn in Morocco. The Court of Appeal in Casablanca has halted enforcement of a January 2026 ruling that would have required telecom operators to cut connections to several high-profile offshore companies.

The original decision came from the Commercial Court and targeted the country’s largest internet providers — Maroc Telecom, Orange Maroc and Inwi. They were instructed to restrict access to a group of foreign operators said to be working outside the national regulatory framework. Non-compliance carried daily fines of 10,000 Moroccan dirhams.

Among the brands named were 1xBet, Stake, MelBet, Mostbet, Linebet, Betwinner, Sportsbet.io and Betway. These companies are widely recognised by Moroccan users and attract significant traffic from the country.

Appeals Court Presses Pause

On February 10, the appellate court suspended the blocking requirement. This step removes the immediate obligation for telecom providers to implement restrictions and stops the financial penalties while the case is reviewed.

Local media outlets including Médias24 and Le Desk reported that enforcement has been put on hold until further notice.

For players, the practical outcome is simple. Access to the listed international sites continues without interruption.

Why the Case Is Significant

The January ruling was viewed as an attempt to defend Morocco’s regulated gambling sector and protect state revenue. Activities supervised by the Moroccan Games and Sports Authority stand at the centre of that system. Limiting foreign competition would have strengthened the domestic framework.

At the same time, cutting access to several major international companies in one move would have reshaped the digital gambling landscape almost overnight.

Outlook for the Moroccan Market

The appeals court has not delivered a final verdict. The suspension keeps the situation stable while legal arguments continue.

There are two realistic scenarios. Authorities could return with a reinforced blocking strategy if the higher court upholds the original reasoning. Another possibility is a reassessment of how cross-border gaming should be handled, potentially leading to clearer rules or updated oversight mechanisms.

For now, offshore operators retain visibility in Morocco and users experience no sudden changes. The next judicial steps will determine whether this pause becomes a turning point or simply a temporary delay before stricter measures are introduced.

Earlier, we reported on Morocco’s move to cut off access to offshore online casinos, highlighting the government’s push for tighter control. The latest court decision shows that the debate is far from over and that the regulatory direction may still shift in the months ahead.