Goa is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. This small state on the country’s west coast on the Arabian Sea is best known for its 100-kilometer-long coastline and 35 beaches, nightlife, forts, and food. However, Goa is increasingly attracting more tourists because of its casinos.
A lot of Indians are avid casino players. Previously, they had to go to Nepal, Macau, and Singapore to play casino games. Now, most of them are going to Goa. Of course, many international tourists also visit these casinos in Goa. The Himalayan state of Sikkim also has casinos. But the ones in Goa are much more impressive. There are many more options, too.
The Casinos in Goa
There are 15 casinos in Goa, which can be divided into –
- Onshore or land-based casinos
- Offshore or ship casinos
The first casinos to be established were offshore ones because the Indian laws of the time didn’t allow casino gambling. There was no law on water. As a result, many of them were set up on the Mandovi River in North Goa. The laws eventually changed, and many onshore casino gaming houses were also established all over the state. Many offshore casinos now also have onshore facilities.
Popularity of Gambling in India
Both offline and online gambling have become very popular in India. For offline casino gaming, most Indians are heading to Goa’s 15 casinos. The popularity of online gambling can be attributed to easy accessibility and convenience. India already has more than 50 online casinos. The Casino Online India Review website gives an insight into the country’s popular casino websites, their licensing authorities, games, and the legal status in different parts of the country.
Offline Casinos – Goa’s Top Places
1. Casino Royale, Offshore (Mandovi River)
Also called Deltin, this has become one of Asia’s trendiest casino houses. Located on a 40,000-square-foot luxury ship, this is also Goa’s biggest casino. Casino Royale makes you feel like you are in Vegas. There are more than 850 games and 50 classical board games, including a separate room for poker. There are several VIP casino gaming suites and a whiskey lounge that offers single malts and hand-rolled cigars.
- 6 decks, 3 floors for gaming
- Halls, amphitheater, VIP rooms, and a helicopter platform
- Whiskey lounge and sky bar
- Music and dance performances
- Gourmet restaurant
- Kid’s zone
2. Carnival Casino, Offshore & Onshore
Carnival is new but has already made a big name. The offshore casino is on the Mandovi River. The onshore is located at the Goa Marriott Hotel. Carnival offers plenty of games and entertainment. Games include blackjack, baccarat, American roulette, slots, 5-card poker, and progressive jackpots. You won’t find more slot machine games anywhere else in Goa.
- 4 decks, 2 floors with games
- Entertainment shows, theme music
- Restaurants
- Private parties on the rooftop deck
- An exclusive children’s area
3. MV Caravela, Offshore (Mandovi River)
India’s first floating casino also has a luxury hotel with suites and rooms. The players can choose from flash, Caribbean poker, American Roulette, baccarat, slot machines, and blackjack. There are 17 casino gaming tables and more than 80 gaming positions. The MV Caravela casino is owned by Deltin.
- Plenty of games
- Guest rooms and suites, including a two-level mansion suite
- Suites with private gaming tables
- Sundeck bar, fine dining
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Spa, Jacuzzi, library
- Babysitting facilities
4. Casino Pride, Offshore (Mandovi River)
Yet another offshore casino. It is also located on the Mandovi River. Casino Pride is on a 30,000-square-foot ship that can easily accommodate up to 500 players. It is cheaper than the casinos owned by the Deltin group. There are plenty of games including flush, mini flush, runny, blackjack, roulette, slots, baccarat, 5-card poker, and more.
- 40 casino gaming tables over 3 floors
- 10,000 square feet open deck for parties
- Bar, barbecue, and multi-cuisine restaurant
- Bollywood-style live entertainment
- Poker tournaments
- Room for children with many electronic games
5. Dunes Casino, Onshore
Close to the Varca Beach in South Goa, this land-based casino is in the Zuri White Sands Resort. It is a small casino, which ensures that the ambiance is very private. However, there are plenty of gaming options. Choose from 2-card poker, mini flush, rummy, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack.
- 20 machine-based games, 4 table games
- 4000 square feet of space for games
- Spa, salon, gym, 6 restaurants
- Swimming pool
6. Casino Pearl, Onshore
Pearl is another land-based casino that is in the Bogmallo Beach Resort. It is also South Goa’s biggest casino. Goa’s Dabolim International Airport is very close. It has many slot machines, tai-sai, baccarat, and roulette games.
- 4000 square feet area for gaming
- 26 machine games, 1 table game
- Spa, salon, bars, restaurant, fitness center
- Rooms in different categories
7. Maharajah Casino, Offshore
Also called Big Daddy, Maharajah is one of Goa’s biggest casinos. It opened only in 2019 but is already offering stiff competition to Deltin. There are 900 casino gaming positions, 50 more than Deltin. Big Daddy has a barbecue zone, cigar lounge, VIP zone, sundeck, bar, gourmet restaurant, 110 tables, and a play area for young children. There are live bands, DJs, and dancers. You will even see many celebrities if you are lucky.
- 20,000 square meter area with 4 decks
- Bars and restaurants
- Live orchestra, dance performances, DJ nights
- Poker nights
India’s rising disposable income and large population are the major macroeconomic factors behind the rising popularity of gambling. Increasing internet penetration is driving the growth of online gambling. With a population of 1.4 billion an expanding middle class, improving mobile technology, and a large base of young people, both online and offline casino gaming is sure to become even more popular.
