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Around INR 10000 is the cost for indulging in a casino cruise Goa. This cost generally also includes food, drinks and casino chips. These are the entry fees of the Casino Pride in Goa. During weekdays of the off-peak season, from Mondays to Thursdays, the entry fee is at Rs. 1,500 per individual. 500 worth of coupons complimentary with that entry fee already.

Around INR 10000 is the cost for indulging in a casino cruise Goa. This cost generally also includes food, drinks and casino chips. Casino pride goa entry fee When steve wynn had planned the new mirage resort in atlantic city, he wanted to the music box, a 1,000-seat theater, hosts smaller events and is home to the borgata comedy club casinos and hotels in atlantic city, new jersey.

A floating casino off Panaji in Goa. Credit: Devika Sequeira

Panaji: Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar recently made an announcement in the state’s legislative assembly: all offshore casinos would have to shift to land-based operations within three years if they wanted to continue doing business in Goa. The decision, long expected despite the stock denials, is what the big players in the casino industry had been betting on all along, and it exposes the BJP’s doublespeak on the gambling business in Goa.

There are currently six offshore and ten land-based casinos in play here, but live gaming (with dealers opposed to slot machines), where the stakes can go really high, is permitted only on the floating casinos, which makes the transfer and renewal of their licences such a lucrative business.

Jaydev Mody’s Delta Corp Ltd is the biggest player in the Goa casino business. It runs three offshore casinos, Deltin Royale, Deltin Jaqk and Deltin Caravela as well as the onshore Deltin Suites Casino Hotel at Nerul. The Ashok Khetrapal fronted group is the next big casino operator with Casino Pride and Casino Pride 2 anchored in the Mandovi. Pride also runs the land-based Casino Paradise at Porvorim and Casino Palms at Baga.

Faced with mounting protests over the BJP government granting permission for a sixth offshore casino in the River Mandovi after the party had earlier campaigned against them, a providential occurrence spared Parrikar’s blushes in the monsoon session of the Goa assembly. On July 15, a new casino vessel M. V. Lucky Seven, fully outfitted to commence business as the Big Daddy Casino, drifted off course in stormy weather and ran aground at Miramar beach (near Panaji) where it is currently stuck, turning into a photo-op for tourists. Operations to refloat and tow it away are currently underway.

Lucky Seven is promoted by the controversial former Haryana minister Gopal Kanda. The Tanzanian flag passenger vessel was brought to Goa by Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd (GGHPL), a company started as a subsidiary of Kanda’s defunct MDLR airline. There’s very little information to be found on GGHPL or its businesses, but sources in the company said that Kanda, his son and son-in-law hold a majority stake in it and in their current interest in the casino business in Goa.

Kanda’s foray into casinos here goes back to 2009 when he bought the Leela group’s Casino Rio for a reported amount of Rs 30 crore. Leela had managed an offshore gaming licence in 2006 but the business never set sail. Neither did it under Kanda, and in 2013 the government towed away the abandoned vessel for owing the authorities Rs 12 crore in casino licence fees. The fee with fines had mounted to Rs 50 crore by 2017. This in itself should have been grounds enough to not renew Kanda’s licence. But the Parrikar government renewed it all the same, using the ruse of a court order to justify the decision. In reality, however, it was the state’s advocate general who told the high court of Bombay at Goa that the government would “favourably consider” the Kanda company’s application for renewal.

All the casino licences in Goa – both off-shore and land based ones – were dished out by gung-ho Congress governments, with former chief minister Pratapsingh Rane and former home minister Ravi Naik being the key players in this high stakes game of licence roulette. This uncomfortable fact, as much as the Congress’ role in the mining scam, provided the BJP its biggest ammunition for the 2012 state assembly election which it won with a clear majority. Parrikar would turn up at anti-casino protests with RSS supporters, and doing away with casinos went to the top of his party’s 2012 manifesto, even as behind the scenes assurances were reportedly given that they would be allowed to carry on with business as usual.

Once in government though, the commitment by the BJP to move the casinos out of the Mandovi and regulate the trade was never seen through. The promise to set up a gaming commission has not seen the light of day even five years later. What the government did in effect, is facilitate more opaque operations, allowing the state’s Captain of Ports, rather than the Centre’s Director of Shipping – as was the case previously – to licence the casino vessels, most of which are not even seaworthy. In 2014, the BJP also reversed the law it had brought in to ban the transfer of casino licences when it allowed the Pride group to take over the V. M. Salgaocar & Bro Pvt Ltd owned Casino Carnival. The government collected a fee of Rs 5 crore for the transfer, and the deal went through for an unconfirmed amount of Rs 80 crore.

More recently, Parrikar has argued that casinos have brought jobs, revenue and also enhanced the state’s tourism industry. Doing away with them would hurt investor sentiment. Though he was “serious” in his “opposition to casinos”, it was the government’s duty “to ensure there is continuity in policies,” he told the Goa House. Parrikar bolstered his arguments with figures of revenue earned from casinos: a total of Rs 743 crore was collected over the last three years from commercial taxes and licence fees paid to the home department.

But how close is this to their actual takings?

Inconsistency and flip flops have been the hallmark of government policy on casinos in Goa. The intended confusion has not only encouraged, but practically endorsed an unregulated conduct of the business, and allows politicians to collect a “recurring monthly fee”, as a casino operator puts it. The government currently charges between Rs 10 crore to Rs 12 crore as a yearly fee for off-shore gaming, depending on the passenger capacity of the vessels. Land-based casinos pay Rs 4 crore a year. But industry observers say this is peanuts in the serious gambling business, given there’s no authority to monitor operations or even determine the number of footfalls.

On any given night, the streets of Panaji, near the city’s jetty, are packed with parked vehicles – a visible hindrance to those who live in the area. This no doubt is clear proof of how busy the casinos are. While the bigger vessels pack up to 1500 gambling enthusiasts a day in what’s become 24×7 operations, particularly over the weekends, the smaller vessels crowd in some 800-1000 passengers, says the source. The over-crowding has been overlooked for years.

The principle reason for bringing in floating casinos – the Congress had argued when it allowed the first one here in 2001 – was to keep the gambling off limits to locals. A kind of out-of-sight-out-of-mind policy. An attempt by the Parrikar government to ban the entry of locals in the casinos has never been seriously implemented either. In 2012, Parrikar had brought in major amendments to the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976 to ban the transfer of casino licences – it was then revoked by his government in 2014). Only tourists with valid permits were to be allowed, not locals, but no such permits were ever issued, nor are IDs asked of anyone walking into a casino.

Under the BJP government, Delta Corp was also given a dedicated jetty for its offshore operations in Betim. Mody, who is a familiar figure in Goa, was among the front-benchers at the swearing in ceremony of the new government at Raj Bhavan in March this year, after the BJP’s controversial takeover of power. The Delta Corp chairman now also owns FC Goa, after he bought a 65% stake in the football team that was jointly held by Dattaraj Salgaocar and Srinivas Dempo.

All we’ve learnt so far from the chief minister’s assurances in the state assembly is that a “comprehensive policy” on casinos will be out within three months and that offshore casinos would be moved to a “designated entertainment zone” on land within three years. Sources in the industry said they’d been told they would have to put up high-end casino hotels at Mopa, North Goa, where Goa’s controversial new greenfield airport is to come up. The BJP and its recent ally Goa Forward – whose ambitious leader Vijai Sardesai has also done a U-turn on casinos – no doubt see the move as politically and economically advantageous. It would help them justify the construction of the new project as well as give the casino industry in Goa a permanent base. But will it go down well with the public?

Goa, Sikkim, and the union territory of Daman and Diu are the only places in India where you can legally play casino games. The casinos in Goa are the most popular, offering a range of games and entertainment. There are many food and dining options as well. Managed professionally, many of them are 5-star facilities, attracting thousands of Indian and international tourists.

The first casino house in Goa opened in the late 1990s, and since then, they have become hugely popular. Thousands visit them every year. Gambling is a billion dollar industry in India, with Goa contributing a lot of this money. In 2013 for instance, the Goa casinos contributed almost 20 million US dollars to the state revenue.

There are two types of casinos in Goa:

• Land-based casinos (onshore);
• Ship casinos (offshore).

Offshore casinos were established as the Indian laws did not allow gambling on Indian land, but there was no regulation on water. In time, the laws were changed, allowing legal gambling in Goa, but some of the best casinos in the state are still on the decks of ships, along the Mandovi River and around Panaji. Many of them provide international level luxury and experiences.

Some of the offshore casinos also have onshore facilities. However, the onshore casinos can only have electronic games.

The Goa government is now trying to attract more tourists by letting more operators open casinos and gambling houses in Goa.

Casinos In Goa – Highlights

Casino Royale Goa

Popularly known as the Deltin Royale, this is the largest offshore and the most popular casino in Goa. With poker rooms, board games, slot machines, VIP-rooms and halls, an amphitheater and bar, you will get a Las Vegas experience here.

Games – 50 classical board games, slots machines, blackjack, teen patti, American roulette, baccarat, Indian Flush, and a room only for poker.

• Offshore casino on the Mandovi River in Panaji.
• There are 6 decks and 3 gaming floors.
• VIP-rooms, halls, amphitheater, helicopter platform.
• Sky Bar, Whiskey Lounge that is well stocked with single malts and hand-rolled cigars, and signature restaurant ‘Vegas’ offering a large buffet spread.
• Dance and music performances.

Address – Noah’s Ark, RND Jetty, Dayanand Bandodkar Road, Panaji

Timing – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Regulations – Everyone can enter, but only those above 21 can play.

Dress – Only smart casual. Sleeveless shirts, sandals, flip-flops, and shorts are not allowed.

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Prices – 2,000 INR entry fee Monday to Thursday per person. 3,000 INR Friday to Sunday. Alcoholic drinks, entertainment, unlimited food, and playing chips are included in this price.

Carnival Casino

A new casino, but it has become very popular. There is an offshore casino and an onshore one too at the Goa Marriott hotel in Miramar beach. A huge range of games and entertainment options!

Games – American Roulette, blackjack, baccarat, 5-card poker, slots machines, progressive jackpots. The largest selection of slots in Goa!

• Offshore casino on the Mandovi River. Onshore casino inside Marriott hotel in Miramar beach, North Goa.
• 4 decks, 2 gaming floors.
• Children’s area, restaurants.
• Theme music, entertainment shows by local and international artists.
• Exclusive entertainment deck.
• Private parties at Boa Sorte, the rooftop deck.

Address – Goa Marriott Resort & Spa in Miramar, Mandovi River, Panaji.

Timing – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Regulations – Everyone can enter, but only those above 21 can play.

Dress – Smart casual.

Prices – 1,500 INR entry fee Monday to Thursday per person and play coupon of 1,000 rupees. 2,000 INR Friday to Sunday with 1,000 rupees play coupon. Alcoholic drinks, entertainment, and unlimited food.

MV Caravela

This casino is also owned by the Deltin group. This was the first floatel casino in India, offering both luxurious accommodation and casino gaming. Guest suites and rooms, many games to choose from, food and drinks! MV Caravela is located on the Mandovi River in Panaji.

Games – American Roulette, flash, baccarat, Caribbean poker, blackjack, slots.

• 80 gaming positions, more than 10 games, 17 gaming tables.
• Several guest rooms and suites, including an extravagant two-level Mansion Suite with its own private gaming tables.
• Suites made with mahogany, gold, and amber shades.
• On-deck Jacuzzi, spa, babysitting, onboard library.
• Fine dining, bar on the sundeck, outdoor swimming pool.

Address – Fisheries Jetty, Fisheries Department Building, (opposite Mandovi Hotel), Panaji.

Timing – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Regulations – Everyone can enter, but only those above 21 can play.

Dress – Smart casual.

Prices – 3, 000 INR entry fee Monday to Thursday per person. 4,000 INR Friday to Sunday with 1,000 rupees play coupon. Separate package for couple’s. Alcoholic drinks, entertainment, unlimited food, and playing chips are included in this price.

Casino Pride

Extremely popular, Casino Pride is also located on the Mandovi River in a beautiful 30,000 sq. ft. vessel. Cheaper than Deltin Royale! More than 500 guests can play games here at one time. It is popular with the Indian high-rollers.

Games – Flush, mini flush, 5-card poker, Texas Hold’em poker, rummy, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, slots machines.

• 3 floors, 30,000 square feet, 40 gaming tables.
• Multi-cuisine restaurants, well-stocked bar, barbeque.
• 10,000 square feet Weather Deck for parties.
• Entertainment, Bollywood-style live acts. Live entertainment between 9 PM and 11 PM.
• Big poker tournaments.
• Room for kids full of the latest electronic games.
• Gold embellish ceilings.

Address – Captain of Ports Jetty, Panaji.

Timing – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Casino Pride Goa Entry Price Details

Regulations – Everyone can enter, but only those above 21 can play.

Dress – Smart casual.

Prices – 1,500 INR entry fee Monday to Thursday per person. 2,000 INR Friday to Sunday with 1,000 rupees play coupon. Alcoholic drinks, entertainment, unlimited food, and playing chips are included in this price.

King's Casino

A smaller, but more intense offshore casino on the Mandovi River! This casino can accommodate 150 guests at any time. It is on board the sleek catamaran, MV. Arabian Sea King.

Games – American Roulette, high-limit, blackjack, 3-card stud, baccarat, pontoon, slots machines, video poker.

• In a small catamaran offering a more intense casino gaming experience.
• 5 video slots, 5 mega jack slot machines
• More intimate setting than the bigger casinos.
• Can accommodate 150 guests.
• Restaurant and bar, live entertainment.
• Restrooms
• Creche

Address – On the Mandovi River in a catamaran, Panaji.

Timing – Daily, 5 PM to 10 AM

Regulations – Players only

Dress – Smart casual.

Prices – 5,000 INR. Rupees 4,500 worth of non-negotiable chips.

Maharajah Casino

Maharajah Casino by Big Daddy ship is also on the Mandovi River in Panaji. It is further into the water. Many gaming and entertainment options on the ship!

Games – Roulette, baccarat, blackjack, katti or andar bahar, rashi wheel, 3-card and 5-card poker, mini flash, mang patta, rummy, Indian flash, Texas Hold’em poker.

• 4 decks, 20,000 square meter
• New luxurious interior
• Restaurants, bars, buffet
• Live dance performances, live orchestra, DJ nights, poker nights

Address – Captain of Ports Jetty, Panaji.

Dress – Smart casual.

Prices – Regular and Premium packages. The cost varies between 2,000 INR and 3,500 INR for weekdays, and 1,500 and 4,500 for Friday-Sunday. VIP packages cost 6,000 INR for all days of the week.

Dunes Casino

This is a luxury land-based casino in South Goa, close to the Varca beach. It is located inside the Zuri White Sands Resort. A relatively smaller casino, but there are many games on display! There are many entertainment and food options.

Games – Blackjack, baccarat, roulette, rummy, mini flash, 2-card poker.

• 4 table games, 20 gaming machines.
• 4,000 square feet gaming area.
• 6 restaurants, gymnasiums, salon, spa
• Swimming pool, activity center

Address – The Zuri White Sands Resort & Casino, Pedda, Varca.

Timing – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Dress – Smart casual.

Prices – 700 INR entry fee. No inclusions.

Casino Pearl

Casino Pearl is located within the Bogmallo Beach resort, very close to the Goa International Airport at Dabolim. The resort is located on the Bogmallo beach. This is the largest casino in South Goa.

Games – Roulette, baccarat, blackjack, tai-sai, slots machines.

• 1 table game, 26 gaming machines.
• 4,000 square feet gaming area.
• Robotic Arm Baccarat station is appreciated by the players.
• Restaurants, bars, salon, spa, fitness center
• Deluxe, superior rooms

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Address – Bogmallo Beach Resort, Vasco da Gama.

Timing – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Dress – Smart casual.

Prices – 500 INR entry fee. Unlimited food, drinks, and snacks while playing.

Chances Casino

Chances Casino is located at the Vainguinim Valley Resort Hotel, which is 200 meters from the Vainguinim beach in South Goa. This is the oldest onshore casino in Goa. Popular with the locals and regular players! It still uses the traditional coin slot machines.

Games – American Roulette, mini baccarat, blackjack, digital blackjack, slots machines, Royal Ascot Horse Racing.

• Largest gaming floor in Goa — 30,000 sq ft.
• VIP gaming rooms
• Restaurants, bars.
• Live music every Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
• Kids garden
• Spa, pool

Address – 184/189, Machado's Cove, Dona Paula.

Timing – 11 AM to 4 AM

Dress – Smart casual or formal wear.

Prices – 750 INR entry fee. Unlimited drinks and snacks included.

Casino Strike

This Casino is located within the lavish Grand Hyatt Hotel at Bambolim in South Goa. Launched in 2016, this is the biggest casino in India. Plenty of gaming options!

Games – Roulette, baccarat, money wheel, Indian flush, blackjack, slots machines, casino war, andar bahar.

• 3 floors of gaming space floor for high rollers, VIP floor.
• Latest slots machines and other games not available anywhere else in India.
• Live performances, Russian dancers, DJ shows every night.
• 3 pools, spa, steam room, hot tubs, gymnasium.
• Crèche for infants, playstation for teenagers.

Address – Grand Hyatt Hotel, Bambolim.

Timing – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Dress – Smart casual or formal wear.

Prices – 1,500 INR Monday to Thursday. 2,000 INR Friday to Sunday. Unlimited drinks while gaming and buffet dinner included. One-time gaming chips.

Casino Palms

Casino Palms is located within the La Calypso Hotel, which is close to the Baga beach in North Goa. This is one of the most relaxed gaming houses in Goa.

Games – Roulette, machine poker, baccarat, mini flush, blackjack, slots machines.

• Largest and most spacious casino (onshore) in North Goa.
• Many exciting games to choose from.
• Restaurants, bars, ayurvedic massage.
• Spa, swimming pool.

Address – No. 7/129-B, Saunta Vadoo, Calangute-Baga Road, Bardez, Baga.

Timing – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Dress – Smart casual or formal wear.

Prices – 1,000 INR for all days of the week. Unlimited food and drinks.

Here are some other good land-based casinos in Goa –

• The Leela Palace – At The Leela Palace in Cavelossim, South Goa
• Hacienda De Oro – At the Holiday Inn Hotel in Cavelossim, South Goa
• Goldfinger – At the Cidade de Goa Hotel in Calangute, North Goa
• Treasure – At the Majorda Beach Resort Hotel in Majorda, South Goa
• Mint Club – At the Rivera De Goa Resort Hotel in Calangute, North Goa