Gambling in India is strictly prohibited eve though there is an extensive network of illegal gambling that runs through the country. The Indian gambling market, even after the heavy restrictions, is estimated to be worth USD 60 Billion per year. half of this money comes from illegal sports betting.

Though the outlook for gambling in India does not look very bright, casinos in Goa are a start to the Indian gambling scenario.

There are only two states in India which legally allow gambling in their own territories. The first is Goa and the second is Sikkim. Goa has been on the gambling circuit for quite some time now, however Sikkim is a relatively new entrant. The casinos in Goa are older and mature and experience patronage from tourists from all over the world.

Apart from the land based casinos in Goa, there are also cruise ship casinos in Panjim, also known as floating casinos. These casinos in Goa pick up passengers from the shores of Panjim and then take them afloat, to foreign waters where the gambling action actually begins. There are several such cruise ship casinos in Panjim, based out of large luxury yachts. Though these cruise ship casinos are excellent when it comes to casino action, they do not allow everyone to be a party. These casinos in Goa are very exclusive and have their entrance fees extremely high in order to discourage petty gamblers form gaining entry. These casinos in Goa mean serious business and therefore entertain only very affluent Indians or foreigners who want to gamble.

There are a total of 12 casinos in Goa. Out of these, 7 casinos in Goa are land based and the rest are all cruise ship casinos in Panjim.

History of casinos in Goa

Casino gambling is a relatively new concept in India and the first casinos in Goa were considered a huge step for the Indian gambling industry. The first casinos in Goa were opened up in the year 2001. After the opening of the first casino, the government decided in 2004 that no more casinos in Goa will be opened. Yet, in 2007, the government decided to permit more casinos to open their doors to players, taking the total of casinos in Goa to 12.

Ther onshore casinos in Goa are the Las Vegas Casino at Leela Resort Goa, Hacienda De Oro Casino at Holiday Inn Goa, Chances Casino at Vainguinim Valley Goa, Goldfinger Casino at Cidade de Goa, Winners Casino at Goa Marriott Resort, Treasure Casino Majorda Beach Resort and the Mint Club Casino at Rivera De Goa Resort.
The cruise ship casinos in Panjim include the Casino Royale Goa, King’s Casino Goa, Casino Goa, Casino Mint Goa and Casino Rio.

Whether it be the land casinos in Goa or the cruise ship casinos in Panjim, all these casinos offer table games and slots games. Card games like blackjack, baccarat and poker are offered in almost all casinos in Goa. Apart from these, casinos in Goa also offer video poker as well as a wide range of slots machines.

Casinos in Goa

Almost all casinos in Goa are housed in five star hotels, therefore excluding them from the reach of the general public and the gambling enthusiasts who just want to gamble for fun. Since there are not many casinos in Goa or in the rest of the entire country, the casinos in Goa mean serious business and are more concerned about attracting high paying customers over those who are just casual gamblers.

1. Casino Goa

Casino Goa is one of the most popular casinos in Goa. Operated by the Ramada Caravela Beach Resort, the Casino Goa is upon a luxury cruise ship. This casino is decorated completely in gold and exudes luxury from every inch. The entry to the casino is 1,500 on weekdays and 1,800 on weekends. The cover charge includes the casino games as well as buffet meals and alcohol. There are live poker tables, Blackjack and America Roulette like all the other casinos in Goa.

2. Las Vegas Casino

The Leela Hotel houses another one of the excellent casinos in Goa. The Leela Kempinski is a five star hotel and a sight to behold. This exclusive hotel, inspired by the Portuguese architecture, is spread over 75 acres and is considered amongst the 10 most luxurious resorts in the entire world. The Las Vegas Casino in Leela offers all kinds of automated derby games, video slots machines and American Roulette. The entrance to the casino is free for all hotel guests, but costs Rs. 200 for others. This is one of the few casinos in Goa that is open all hours of the day. However, it is only after hours that the real ambiance of the casino can be enjoyed.

3. Chances

This is another one of the preferred casinos in Goa. Located in the Vainguinim Valley Resort, the caisno is a real beauty as it is surrounded by the plush hills and the beautiful rolling landscapes. The hotel draws a huge crowd and the casino is a favorite amongst tourists. Like the other casinos in Goa, Chances also has a cover entry, but is free for hotel guests. The casino has 35 slot machines along with Derby games, Poker and American Roulette.

4. Hacienda De Oro

Located in the Holiday Inn Resort, the Hacienda has a completely Mexican setting and is considered a casual place. Unlike some of the other casinos in Goa, the Hacienda is a casual hangout that also serves as a pub in the evenings. The entry fee is a nominal Rs. 200 and the casino is open from noon to midnight. The casino offers slots, American Roulette and dice machines.

5. Winners

The Marriot Resort houses one of the best casinos in Goa. This casino is a large one and also offers grand prizes and a lot of enjoyment. Here, you can savour the true Indian hospitality and sample some of Goa’s fresh seafood. The entry feel, like all other casinos in Goa, is very nominal. The casino offers American Roulette, blackjack, slots and poker.