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To celebrate its second year of bringing luck and entertainment to its guests, Casino Strike at Grand Hyatt Goa in Bambolim hosted a vibrant party that showcased its style. The positively charged atmosphere was enhanced by artists from all over India, including an energetic Indian Idol singer, magician, saxophonist and live band. India’s land-based gaming industry is taking a step forward with news Delta Corp has been given permission in principle for an integrated resort in Goa. The company said it had been given the go ahead by the Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board for a property that will include hotels, a convention center, a multiplex cinema, an electronic casino, retail and a water park.

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.

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

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

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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

Address – Bogmallo Beach Resort, Vasco da Gama.

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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.

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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

Reports of more than a dozen casino staff testing positive for COVID-19 in Goa’s offshore casinos have led to the Aam Aadmi Party calling out for the closure of the casinos once again! At a press conference in Panaji on Monday, Goa AAP Spokesperson Surel Tilve said that there might be concern for another wave of coronavirus in the state.

He said,

“It is already difficult to control the flow of tourists to Goa’s casinos. It is getting out of control. Covid-19 cases in casinos have also increased. The government is just trying to appease the lobby by allowing this trend to continue. We fear that if the chaos continues, Goa may witness a second Covid-19 wave sooner than later”.

The total number of cases has risen up to 46,000 cases in Goa, while at least 677 people have died after being tested positive for the virus. Hundreds of people have been reported for causing chaos trying to enter casinos over the weekend, ignoring social distancing measures and the use of face masks.It even led to Panaji MLA Atanasio Monserrate stepping out onto the streets, with local municipality officials in tow, to try and manage the traffic congestion and fine casino visitors for not wearing masks.

Casinos were shut down in March due to the raging pandemic and were finally reopened on November 1. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said all casinos must follow state and Central government Covid protocols on resumption. Another closure of the casinos will be a major blow in the revenue for the operators and the tourism industry of the state as well!

The PokerShots team advises everyone who is in Goa and anywhere around the world to wear masks and take even the bare minimum precautions to keep yourself as well as those around you safe.

For more information about the casinos in Goa and poker industry in India, keep reading PokerShots!