from Gaming for Africa Magazine
Issue 138
July - August 2018
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| Gaming for Africa Magazine July - August 2018 |
[G4A] Give us an idea of the size of the gambling market in Mauritius – i.e. number of casinos, locations and names.
[GRA] We currently have 4 state-owned casinos. The different types of games allowed are mentioned in the “First Schedule” (Part 1) of the GRA Act. These games include: Blackjack, Chemin de fer, Live Roulette, Mini-chemy, Oasis Stud, and Punto Banco
CASINO (STATE-OWNED)
We have 22 gaming houses (private-owned) across the country. The different types of games they are allowed to offer are listed in the “First Schedule” (Part 2 & 3) of the GRA Act.
Gaming House “A” games include: 10 ½, Big and small, Big Wheel, Bingo, Crabs, Chinese dominoes (boeuf), Over/Under 7, Poker, Premier Roi, Quatre Quatre, Sap Si Waye, Sic Bo, Tai Sai, and Vanlak.
Gaming House “B” games include: Mahjong and Rummy
GAMING HOUSE ‘A’ (PRIVATE-OWNED)
GAMING HOUSE “B”
[G4A] What other gaming activities are allowed in Mauritius ?
[GRA] The “Third Schedule” of the GRA Act defines other gaming activities that are allowed in Mauritius, including the National Lottery, On-Course Horse Racing, Off-Course Horse Racing and more. The following are several lists of operators:
TOTALISATOR OPERATOR
BOOKMAKERS ON-COURSE HORSE RACES
BOOKMAKERS OFF-COURSE HORSE RACES
BOOKMAKER CONDUCTING FIXED ODD BETTING THROUGH REMOTE COMMUNICATION ON LOCAL HORSE (SMS)
SWEEPSTAKES ORGANISER
OPERATOR OF MAURITIUS NATIONAL LOTTERY
LOCAL POOL PROMOTER
AGENT OF FOREIGN POOL PROMOTER
HORSE RACING ORGANISER
[G4A] Considering the regulatory environment, what are the costs for each type of licence, barriers and incentives to entry and applying.
[GRA] There are different costs involved, depending on the license. The “Third Schedule” of the GRA Act is where interested parties can review the prices for each licence. Note that for Horse Racing Bookmakers, there are additional costs that are claimed by the Municipality and the horse racing organiser. For those interested in more details and cost, they should contact the Board of Investment in Mauritius.
[G4A] Websites and government departments through which to apply and gain more info.
[GRA] Investors need to contact the Board of Investment if they wish to invest or set up businesses in Mauritius. As far as the licensing is concerned, all requests need to be addressed to the Gambling Regulatory Authority.
Contact details:
Gambling Regulatory Authority
Level 12 Newton Tower
Sir William Newton Street
Port-Louis
Republic of Mauritius.
Tel: (230) 260 2000
Fax: (230) 213 1205
E-mail: gra.admin@intnet.mu
It is interesting to highlight that despite having a relatively small population, Mauritius has a consequent number of gaming activities. It is believed that Mauritians have an intricate connection to gaming, mostly due to its horse racing history. The “Champs de Mars” is the oldest horse racing track of the Southern Hemisphere, and its creation in 1812 can be considered as the period where locals started to pay an interest to gambling.
An interesting note: since 2015, no new operators’ licence has been issued by the Gambling Regulatory Authority. This is a policy decision which was taken by the government in order to curtail gambling in the country.
In addition, the government is setting up a Responsible Gambling Programme which will take effect his year. A series of measures have been designed to create awareness among gamblers and non-gamblers. Furthermore, a national survey will also be initiated in the coming months to identify the profiles of those who gamble, determine why they gamble and define their playing patterns.
[G4A] Any other info you may find relevant for investors about the market in Mauritius.
[GRAM] Before planning to invest in the local gambling sector, investors should know that the licensing procedures are very strict in Mauritius.
Investors interested in investment requirements, levies and taxes should refer to the “Fifth Schedule” of the GRA Act which can be obtained by the GRA.
Gaming for Africa Magazine would like to thank the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Mauritius for their contribution to this article..
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