SamantBrara at 23:19, 5 October 2025

2025-10-05T23:19:04Z

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{{Short description|Casinos in state in western India}}
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Goa is one of the few states in India where both onshore and offshore casinos are legally permitted,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newspaper |first=India Post |date=2025-02-20 |title=Understanding India's Casino Industry: Growth, Challenges, and Prospects - IndiaPost NewsPaper |url=https://indiapost.com/understanding-indias-casino-industry-growth-challenges-and-prospects/ |access-date=2025-05-16 |language=en-US}}</ref> making it a prominent destination for gaming enthusiasts. [[Goa]] has a unique blend of coastals and nightlife, which has been an prime reason for the success of the casino industry, contributing significantly to its tourism and economy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-06-28 |title=Casinos take strong roots in Goa as middle class tourism grows |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/business/story/goa-casinos-are-here-to-stay-thanks-to-middle-class-boom-study-1271769-2018-06-28 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

The setup of the casinos was controversial as live gambling is outlawed in India.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Why Goa doesn't want Goans in its casinos |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/why-goa-banned-local-people-from-casinos/articleshow/73838038.cms |access-date=2025-05-16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> This was partially circumvented by hosting the casinos off the mainland. [[Government of Goa|The government in Goa]] promotes offshore casino <ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-03-30 |title=New rules for Goa casinos soon, says CM Pramod Sawant during Budget speech |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/new-rules-for-goa-casinos-soon-says-cm-pramod-sawant-during-budget-speech/articleshow/99109372.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-05-16 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> ships by granting new gambling licences in an attempt to generate more tourist related revenue. Goa and Sikkim are the only two territories in India that permits casinos.

== Legal framework ==
Under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976 |url=https://www.goa.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/GDDPGA-%201_1.pdf |website=www.goa.gov.in}}</ref> casinos are allowed to operate within five-star hotels and on offshore vessels, subject to government licensing and regulation. This legal framework has enabled the establishment of various casinos, both land-based and floating, primarily along the Mandovi River and in luxury resorts. [[Manohar Parrikar]] granted permanent licenses to casinos in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title=After Fighting Against Goa's Casinos, Parrikar Gives Them What They Want |url=https://thewire.in/politics/parrikar-gives-casinos-always-wanted-permanent-base-goa |access-date=21 May 2025 |work=The Wire |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Team |first1=DNA Web |title=Casinos are now 'fait accompli' of Goa govt: Manohar Parrikar |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-casinos-are-now-fait-accompli-of-goa-govt-manohar-parrikar-2256089 |access-date=21 May 2025 |work=DNA India |language=en}}</ref>

== Casinos on land ==
Goa has casinos and gambling establishments on land as well. These establishments are mostly found in Star Hotels. These would be smaller venues which could serve the guests of the hotels and may not be able to accommodate large audiences. Almost every land casino in Goa operate with the same tariffs, slightly varying between one another based on the choice or menu or seasonality. Notable casinos are Deltin Zuri in Varca, Deltin Suites (Casino Hotel), Majestic Paradise (Casino Hotel), Paradise Casinos and Big B Casino.

== Offshore casinos ==
[[File:Deltin JAQK, Offshore Casino in Mandovi River.jpg|thumb|Deltin JAQK]]
Offshore casinos can be seen in the [[Mandovi River]] of [[Panaji|Panjim]]. The anchored cruise liners that are stationed in the river, which serves as a place to host the casinos. There are smaller boats, called feeder boats which are used to bring people on board and off board the casinos. These casinos are priced higher compared to the land ones, as the offshore ones include the feeder boats and are considered an experience.

A few notable offshore casinos include ''Deltin JAQK'', ''Deltin Royale'' and ''King's Casino'' which are operated by [[Delta Corp]], ''Majestic Pride'' and ''Casino Pride'' which are operated by Pride Group and Big Daddy Casino.

== Economic impact ==
The casino industry in Goa significantly contributes to the state's revenue and employment.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-07-21 |title=Casinos have provided jobs, revenue, says Parrikar |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/casinos-have-provided-jobs-revenue-says-parrikar/articleshow/59673486.cms |access-date=2025-05-16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> In the fiscal year 2012–2013, casinos contributed approximately ₹135 crores to the state revenue. The industry also plays a vital role in promoting tourism, attracting visitors from across India and abroad.

== References ==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Gambling in India]]
[[Category:Entertainment in India]]
[[Category:Goa, Daman and Diu]]

Casinos in Goa - Revision history

SamantBrara at 23:19, 5 October 2025