Discover Agadir's casino scene. Find information on locations, opening hours, games offered like poker and slots, plus dress code and entry requirements.
Guide to Casino Le Mirage and Atlantic Palace Casino in Agadir
For an authentic high-stakes experience in the heart of Morocco's Atlantic coast, head directly to Atlantic Le Grand Tournoi. This establishment stands out not just for its size, but for its specific gaming offerings. It features over 20 dedicated poker tables, hosting regular Texas Hold'em and Omaha tournaments with buy-ins starting from 1,000 Moroccan Dirhams. The main gaming floor contains more than 250 slot machines, including a significant number of progressive jackpot units like "Arabian Nights" and "Pharaoh's Fortune," with average top prizes exceeding 500,000 MAD.
Beyond the slots, the venue provides a robust selection of table games. You will find 15 Blackjack tables with minimum bets set at 100 MAD, 10 American Roulette wheels, and several tables for Punto Banco and Stud Poker. For a more exclusive setting, the private gaming salons offer higher limits, with Blackjack bets reaching up to 25,000 MAD per hand. These rooms are accessible by reservation and cater to serious players seeking discretion and elevated service within this premier Moroccan entertainment hub.
The establishment operates daily from 4:00 PM until 7:00 AM, a schedule tailored for evening and late-night patrons. A smart casual dress code is strictly enforced; shorts, sandals, and athletic wear are not permitted. Entry requires a valid photo ID, and the minimum age for access to the gaming areas is 18. Situated within the Hotel Atlantic Palace, it offers convenient access to fine dining and luxury accommodation, making it a complete destination for visitors to this seaside resort town.
Casino Agadir Guide: Locations, Games, and Etiquette
The primary gambling establishment is Le Mirage, located within the Hotel Sofitel Royal Bay on Rue des Dunes. This venue offers Texas Hold'em poker tournaments starting at 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The buy-in is typically set at 1,000 MAD. Another prominent spot is the Atlantic Palace Resort's gaming hall on Boulevard du 20 Août, known for its extensive selection of slot machines. Expect over 200 electronic games here, with bets ranging from 1 to 200 MAD per spin.
Table games at both locations include English Roulette, Blackjack, and Stud Poker. Minimum bets for Roulette often begin at 25 MAD for outside bets and 10 MAD for inside numbers. Blackjack tables usually have a minimum stake of 100 MAD. For a more private experience, high-stakes rooms are available upon request, with minimums starting around 500 MAD per hand. These establishments operate daily from late afternoon, typically 4 PM, until the early morning hours, around 4 AM.
Adherence to a smart casual dress code is required. Avoid wearing shorts, sandals, or athletic wear. Men are expected to wear long trousers and closed-toe shoes. A collared shirt is recommended. Women often opt for dresses or smart separates. Photography is strictly prohibited on the gaming floor. Always place cash on the table for the dealer to exchange for chips; do not hand it directly to them. When leaving a table, it is customary to offer a small tip to the dealer, especially after a significant win. The official currency for all transactions is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), and entry requires a valid photo ID, such as a passport, for all visitors. You must be at least 18 years old to enter.
Comparing the Top 3 Casinos in Agadir: Le Mirage, Atlantic Palace, and Shems
For the most exclusive high-stakes experience, select Le Mirage, known for its private salons and a minimum bet on blackjack tables starting at 100 MAD. The Atlantic Palace presents the best option for slot machine enthusiasts, offering over 250 machines with stakes from 1 to 20 MAD, including popular video poker variants like Jacks or Better. Shems is the prime choice for a more relaxed, social atmosphere, featuring the lowest table game minimums in the city, with roulette bets beginning at just 20 MAD.
Le Mirage
Located within the Hotel Sofitel Royal Bay, this establishment caters to a discerning clientele. It features four dedicated poker tables with regular Texas Hold'em cash games starting from 25/50 MAD blinds. The dress code is strictly smart casual–no shorts or open-toed shoes are permitted after 8 PM. Complimentary drinks are offered to active table game players. The venue’s layout is intimate, promoting a focused gaming environment. The staff is multilingual, fluently speaking French, English, and Arabic.
Atlantic Palace
This gaming house, part of the larger Atlantic Palace resort, boasts the largest gaming floor in this Moroccan resort town. It is the only location in the city to feature electronic roulette terminals, allowing for faster play with a 10 MAD minimum. Beyond its extensive slot selection, it offers 15 table games, including multiple Punto Banco and Stud Poker tables. The atmosphere is energetic, especially on weekends, with live music performances after 10 PM. A loyalty program provides points redeemable for hotel stays and dining.
Shems
Positioned near the city center, Shems provides a more traditional and accessible gaming setting. It is notable for its weekly slot tournaments with a 500 MAD entry fee and a guaranteed prize pool. While smaller than its competitors, it offers a solid selection of 100 slot machines and 8 table games, including Three Card Poker and Blackjack. The ambiance is less formal, attracting a mix of locals and tourists. Shems also features a dedicated sports betting corner with live feeds of international events.
Navigating Local Gaming Laws and Currency Exchange for Tourists in Agadir Casinos
Tourists must present a valid passport for entry into any gaming establishment in this Moroccan coastal city; a driver's license or other ID is insufficient.The age requirement for participation in games of chance is strictly 18 years. Staff are obligated to verify age and nationality upon entry, so keep your passport readily accessible. Moroccan citizens are legally prohibited from entering and playing in these venues.
The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). However, most gaming floors operate using major foreign currencies. You can directly buy chips with Euros (EUR), US Dollars (USD), or British Pounds (GBP). Payouts are typically made in the same currency used for the initial buy-in. It is advisable to exchange only a small amount of your home currency into Dirhams for expenses outside the gambling hall, as converting MAD back to a foreign currency can be restrictive.
Currency exchange within the entertainment complexes is possible but often at less favorable rates than at official exchange bureaus (bureaux de change) or banks in the city center. For https://pinup.it.com , use a licensed exchange office before arriving at the venue. ATMs are widely available, but be aware of your bank's foreign transaction fees and withdrawal limits. When cashing out winnings in a foreign currency, you will receive a certificate. Retain this document, as you may be required to present it at customs upon departure from Morocco to prove the legal origin of the funds.
Winnings are not subject to local taxation for international visitors. All transactions are recorded for regulatory purposes. Be mindful of your personal belongings. While security is present, personal vigilance is always recommended in busy environments. Smoking is generally permitted in designated areas on the gaming floors.
Understanding Dress Code, Tipping Practices, and Membership Requirements
Most local gambling establishments enforce a smart casual dress code. For men, this means collared shirts, slacks or chinos, and closed-toe shoes. For women, elegant blouses, skirts, trousers, or dresses are appropriate. Strictly avoid wearing athletic wear, shorts, flip-flops, or beach attire. Some high-stakes rooms may require a jacket for men, so it is best to bring one. Security at the entrance has the final say on entry based on appearance.
Gratuities for dealers and waitstaff are customary but not mandatory. A tip of 5-10% of your winnings is a common gesture for dealers after a significant win. For drink service, tipping the equivalent of 1-2 USD per drink is standard practice. You can hand the tip directly to the staff member or place a chip for the dealer on the table. Staff are generally paid a base salary, so tips represent a significant portion of their income.
Membership is not required for general access to the gaming floors. To enter, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport. The minimum age for entry is 18. Some establishments offer loyalty programs or VIP clubs that provide special benefits. To join these programs, you typically need to fill out an application form at the reception desk and present your identification. Benefits can include:
- Exclusive access to private gaming rooms.
- Complimentary food and beverages.
- Invitations to special events and tournaments.
- Personalized host services.
Points for these programs are accumulated based on your play duration and wager amounts. It is advisable to inquire about the loyalty scheme upon your first visit to maximize potential rewards.