Casinos in Mauritius

Introduction

This country, nestled comfortably in the depths of the Indian Ocean, is often described as heaven on earth by those who had the opportunity to explore it. Mauritius is a land of unreal beaches, lush, tropical nature, warm climate, home to cheerful and good-natured people.

Although a pretty small, almost invisible dot on the world map, it's a country well worth exploring; in addition to natural beauties that take your breath away, this country also has a fantastic history, worth getting to know. Mauritius, up close, and all about its beauty, and possibilities for land-based gambling below!

Basic info

This little piece of paradise belongs to the eastern part of the African continent. With slightly more than 1.2 million inhabitants, it belongs to the smallest countries in the world. Mauritius may be a small country, very isolated and far away, but it is very attractive for several reasons. Besides the fact that it is one of those countries whose landscape you would set as wallpaper, Mauritius is, interestingly considering its size and isolation from the rest of the world, an economically very stable country. Although you might think that Mauritius primarily lives off tourists, the truth is a bit different; sugarcane, which is the largest source of income for the economy of this small island country, has been successfully grown in Mauritius for hundreds of years on a little more than 2000 square kilometers of territory. In addition to sugar, the economy also relies on textiles, and in third place on tourism.

As for the fascinating history we mentioned...

...the first data about Mauritius is noted after the 10th century. Until then, the land was desolate. After the discovery, many fought for this piece of land in the ocean, including the French and the English, whose culture is still felt (and seen) on the island. Fast forward...

After being colonized several times, Mauritius adopted a new constitution, and independence was proclaimed on 12 March 1968. This year represents a turning point - social, economic, political, and the year in which Mauritius began to shape into what it is today - a strong, economically independent tropical paradise.

Let's go back to the country's economy for a second

As we said, well-developed tourism represents one of the strongest branches of the economy of Mauritius. It is not surprising, considering that this island offers some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, the most luxurious resorts, incredibly picturesque natural scenes, distinctive architecture... and as the cherry on the top of the cake, there is also a well-developed land-based casino industry!

History of Gambling in Mauritius

This country, like many on the African continent, has a colonial past. During the rule of the English on the island, which began in the 19th century, the first forms of gambling appeared among the few people who lived on the island. Since the English brought their culture, which was quickly accepted among the natives of Mauritius, one of the favorite gambling activities was betting on horse races: a typical British pastime. At that time there were absolutely no laws regulating this activity.

Throughout British rule, gambling remained one of the most popular ways to pass the time. However, only after the liberation of the country and the establishment of independence, the government of Mauritius took major steps towards the legalization of gambling. Laws were proposed, and taxes were introduced, although betting was still mostly limited to horse racing.

A few decades later, at the end of the 20th century, the gambling industry began to modernize and take its current form. At that time, the first, modest betting halls were opened, then land-based casinos... over the years they became more and more sophisticated and more attractive to tourists. Mauritius recognized the economic benefit of the casino industry, and from the end of the 20th century until today, this sector has progressively developed.

Current Laws

Gambling is legal in Mauritius. The body responsible for the constitution of laws and their implementation was created in 2007 - The Gambling Regulatory Authority is the primary body that issues licenses to land-based operators and verifies whether the laws are implemented in practice.

The conditions for obtaining a license include solving the issue of the space in which gambling activities take place, and creating a transparent and sustainable business plan - licenses are not issued for an infinite period, but for a specific time, after which they must be renewed. Furthermore, land-based casinos are obliged to practice the Responsible Gambling policy, which necessarily excludes minors from the world of gambling. The age restriction policy, if violated, means the revocation of the work license and the closing of the casino. Casinos also have to adhere to working hours - not all brands are allowed to operate 24/7. Furthermore, there are limits on the games that can be offered within the land-based establishment. Of course, there are also the tax obligations of land-based operators. Therefore, the list of conditions for obtaining and keeping a license is not short; although gambling is fully permitted in Mauritius, both for locals and tourists, it is strictly regulated in the interest of maintaining a balance between the economic welfare of this industry and the prevention of gambling-related problems such as gambling addiction and criminal activities like money laundering.

Top Places to Gamble in Mauritius

More than 20 land-based casinos have been built on the soil of Mauritius. They differ in size, ambiance, and game offers, but most of them belong to the leading casino chains: Senator Club and Ti Vegas.

Here are our picks:

Ti Vegas Casino Grand Baie and Flic en Flac: With two establishments in Grand Baie and Flic en Flac, Ti Vegas Casino is a popular choice for those looking for a more casual gambling experience. The casino offers a range of slot machines and table games, including roulette and blackjack. The informal atmosphere and beach surroundings make Ti Vegas a great option for tourists who want to combine gaming with a day at the beach.

Senator Club Grand Baie: A more modest spot, but located in one of the most beautiful parts of the island, in the coastal town of Grand Baie. Senator Club Casino is part of the Senator chain, so this brand can be found at other locations throughout Mauritius. This casino offers slot machines and the most popular casino games, including Poker.

Le Saint Géran Casino: A far more luxurious experience than the aforementioned examples, this casino is aimed at guests who don't mind breaking the bank when it comes to quality vacations and great casino entertainment. The Le Saint Géran Hotel and Casino is located in the high-end resort of Belle Mare and is one of the most lavish spots in all of Mauritius. The casino offers of this place include over 20 slot machines, as well as basic table games. The working hours of the casino are limited - the casino is open only during the night.

Conclusion

Are you seeking an unpretentious, traditional casino experience or considering a high-roller adventure at the coolest resorts? Whichever type of gambler you are- Look no further than Mauritius! Whether you prefer modest, local gambling spots, or pure luxury in gated resorts, Mauritius offers it all. In addition to its excellent, regulated gambling opportunities, this tropical island, often described as paradise on earth, provides a wide range of entertainment options. Casino enthusiasts looking for a good time, are you wondering if Mauritius is worth investing some bucks? Worth your hard-earned money and time? the answer is, without any doubt - ABSOLUTELY!