Frequently asked questions about bowling in Morocco

A game of bowling in Morocco generally costs between 45 and 80 MAD per person, depending on the city, the day and the time. For example, 60–75 MAD at Tamaris Bowling (Casablanca), 55–65 MAD at the Megamall (Rabat, package including entry and shoes) and 45–55 MAD at Bowling Almazar (Marrakech). Full details in our article on bowling prices in Morocco.

You can go bowling in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, Oujda and Ifrane. Bowling in Fez and Kenitra has yet to be confirmed.

A 10-frame game takes about 10 to 15 minutes per player. With four or five players on one lane, allow 45 minutes to an hour.

It is not compulsory on weekdays, but it is strongly recommended on Friday evenings, at weekends, during the holidays and for groups or birthday parties.

Yes. Bowling shoes are compulsory to protect the lanes and to stop you slipping. They are provided or rented at the front desk, and in Morocco they are often included in the price of a game. Bring socks.

Children can play from the age of 3 or 4, thanks to the bumpers, light balls and bowling ramps available in most centres. See our guide to bowling with kids.

Six cities have at least one bowling centre that hosts birthday parties: Casablanca (Tamaris Bowling, 110–160 MAD per child; WAW), Rabat (Megamall Kids Party, 150 MAD), Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir and Oujda. Full comparison in our guide to bowling birthday parties.

At the Tamaris Bowling pro shop in Dar Bouazza (Casablanca): you can buy your ball there, a technician drills it to fit your hand, and you will also find shoes and accessories. As far as we know, it is the only bowling pro shop in the country.

A lane takes up to 6 players, but 2 to 5 players is ideal to keep the game moving at a good pace.

A strike (X) means knocking down all 10 pins with your first ball. It is worth 10 points plus the pins knocked down by your next two balls. Try our score calculator.

A spare (/) means knocking down all the remaining pins with your second ball. It is worth 10 points plus the pins knocked down by your next ball.

The maximum score is 300, achieved with 12 strikes in a row: this is the perfect game.

A beginner often scores between 60 and 100. Above 150, you are a good recreational bowler; experienced league bowlers average around 180 to 200, and professionals over 220.

If your foot touches or crosses the foul line during your delivery, it is a foul: the pins knocked down do not count (0 for that ball).

No, there is no national bowling federation in Morocco yet. Competitive bowling is organised by associations, first and foremost the ASBM (Association Sportive du Bowling Marocain, the Moroccan Bowling Sports Association), founded in 2007.

It is the ASBM (Association Sportive du Bowling Marocain, the Moroccan Bowling Sports Association), founded in Rabat in 2007. It runs leagues every week in Rabat and Tangier and created the Intercity Strike Cup.

Join an association such as the ASBM to bowl in a league, then sign up for open tournaments: the Intercity Strike Cup in Rabat or the Tangier International Open.

750 MAD a year for an adult and 400 MAD a year for a child aged 8 and over, for a season running from September to June, with preferential rates at partner centres.

Choose a ball you can swing without straining: often 8–10 lb for a child, 10–13 lb for a woman and 12–15 lb for a man. See how to choose a bowling ball.

Specialist shops are rare in Morocco: many bowlers buy their ball online or on a trip abroad, then have it drilled to fit their hand. ASBM bowlers advise members on their choice.