Unibet Open Moves from Paris to Marrakech: Poker Festival in September

The poker world is turning its attention to North Africa this September. The Unibet Open has officially announced that its next major live event will take place in sunny Morocco instead of Paris. From September 24 to October 4, 2026, the Casino de Marrakech will transform into the epicenter of the European poker scene for eleven days. This move follows a highly successful stop in the French capital earlier this year, where the tour recorded record-breaking numbers.

The decision to shift locations appears to be based on the desire to maintain the momentum from the Paris success while offering players a new, culturally rich environment. The festival combines the established formats of the Unibet DeepStack Open (UDSO) and the classic Unibet Open. With over 30 planned tournaments, the schedule covers a wide range of buy-ins and game variants, appealing to both casual players and experienced high rollers.

Numbers and facts

The centerpiece of the eleven-day spectacle is undoubtedly the Unibet Open Main Event with a buy-in of 12,000 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD), which is approximately equivalent to 1,100 euros. The structure features 50,000 starting chips and 60-minute blind levels. The action begins as early as the opening weekend with the 6,000 MAD UDSO event, which kicks off on Thursday, September 24, with the first of four starting flights (Day 1A).

For players with larger bankrolls, the schedule offers a Super High Roller event on the final Sunday for 25,000 MAD. Those who prefer something smaller can participate in the Mini Main Event for 3,000 MAD or qualify via satellites starting at 1,000 MAD. Currency conversion is a key factor for participants: one MAD is currently worth about 0.092 euros. This means the Main Event price point perfectly aligns with the traditional tour standard many players are used to from European locations.

"The Unibet Open heads to one of its most exciting destinations yet: Marrakech. After an unforgettable record-breaking festival in Paris, the tour continues to Morocco, where incredible poker meets rich culture." - Unibet Open Spokesperson

Background

The Unibet Open has earned a reputation since its inception as one of the most player-friendly tours. Unlike many formal and high-priced competitor events, Unibet emphasizes a relaxed atmosphere and social activities away from the tables. The Casino de Marrakech, located within the Es Saadi Marrakech Resort, is a venue steeped in tradition and has hosted numerous international tournament series. The combination of UDSO's proven tournament expertise and the charm of the Unibet Open is intended to ensure the event matches the record numbers seen in Paris, where the tour welcomed its largest field to date.

In addition to the Main Event, special formats such as Progressive Knockouts, a Classic Bounty, Hit & Cash tournaments, and Omaha events will take place. For qualification, the provider offers various online paths. Players can win packages worth 2,000 euros, which include not only the buy-in but also accommodation at the Novotel Marrakech Hivernage and travel expense contributions. Such online qualifications are the engine driving attendance at live events of this magnitude.

Why it matters for German players

German poker players must keep legal frameworks in mind when planning such trips. Since the tournament takes place in Morocco, the strict rules of the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) do not apply to the physical game on-site. However, anyone attempting to qualify online via the Unibet platform must ensure they use German portals with a GGL license. Online poker offerings are heavily regulated in Germany. Providers on the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) whitelist must adhere to strict limits.

For German users, this specifically means a cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month, monitored via the LUGAS system. Furthermore, multi-tabling—playing at many tables simultaneously—is restricted compared to international platforms. Those wishing to win a satellite ticket for Marrakech should check if the German client offers these specific qualification tournaments, as not every international event format is approved one-to-one for the German regulated market. Participating in live tournaments abroad is legal for Germans, provided winnings are handled according to local tax laws, though pure poker tournament winnings for hobbyists usually remain tax-free.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators holding a German license, the cooperation between a major online brand and a physical casino represents a significant marketing bridge. Such live events strengthen brand loyalty. However, GGL-licensed providers face the challenge of protecting their players from aggressive marketing. Cross-selling between sports betting, online slots, and live poker events is only permitted within narrow limits. While the Unibet Open in Marrakech advertises a free and extensive social program, licensed providers in Germany must ensure their qualification offers meet strict transparency requirements and player protection standards. The GGL closely monitors whether such incentives could lead to risky gambling behavior.