Mauritius is moving closer to privatization of its state-owned casino, meanwhile Six investors have submitted bids to acquire venues currently operated under the State Investment Corporation (SIC). Five bidders are international groups, while the sixth is a Mauritian-based operator.

The tender closed on 17 August 2026, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is serving as the transaction adviser. The SIC expects the evaluation process to be completed by 30 September 2026, after which it will have a clearer indication of the preferred candidates.

The move comes amid growing concerns about the financial sustainability of keeping casinos under state ownership. The government argues that the current state-run casino model is no longer financially viable.

Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has criticized the structure for its high staffing costs and its continued reliance on public funding. Between 2015 and 2025, the SIC reportedly injected around Rs 1.3 billion into casino operations.

Despite this support, losses continued to build. SIC-operated casinos recorded Rs 272 million in losses for the year ending June 2025 and an additional Rs 121 million during the second half of that year.

Overall, the decade-long deficit is estimated at approximately Rs 1.9 billion. As privatization progresses, protecting workers has become a major issue in negotiations.

The Casino Employees Union and representatives of the Grand-Baie casino are demanding guarantees related to jobs, unpaid salaries, seniority, and existing employment rights. Union negotiators want the transfer of employees to be handled in line with Section 16 of the Workers’ Rights Act.

They are also seeking an agreement before the successful bidder is announced, so that employees who wish to remain in the industry can retain their positions, while those who do not will receive appropriate compensation. The SIC has acknowledged the unions’ concerns as the government prepares to end its financial involvement in casino operations.