Goa casinos do not allow IPL betting. Even though Goa is known as India’s top destination for legal casinos, betting on sports or cricket is not allowed under state law.
The Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976, lets casinos offer games like Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and slot machines. IPL betting is not on this list, so it is illegal in all licensed casinos.
This article looks at the rules, recent police actions, and what games you can legally play in Goa casinos.
IPL Betting in Goa Casinos — Quick Facts
| Activity | Status in 2026 | Legal Authority |
|---|---|---|
| IPL Betting (In-Casino) | Strictly Prohibited | Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976 |
| Traditional Casino Games | Legal | Notified Game List (Goa Govt) |
| IPL Match Screenings | Legal | General Entertainment License |
| Online Sports Betting | Illegal/Banned | PROGA 2025 |
| Fantasy IPL Apps | Regulated | Skill-Based Gaming Rules |
Does Goa Casino Offer IPL Betting?
The Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976, allows only certain games of chance in licensed casinos. These include Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Poker, slot machines, and other government-approved electronic games.
Section 13A of the Act permits gaming only in five-star hotels and on offshore vessels. Licenses are issued under strict rules with recurring and one-time fees, and casinos must follow the notified list of approved games.
Sports betting and cricket wagering, including IPL betting on matches, players, or live events, are not allowed. No licensed casino in Goa can legally operate sportsbooks or accept cricket wagers. But, in Goa Casinos, people still play cricket using VPN, which is illegal and not safe.
Why Is IPL Betting Banned in Goa Casinos?
Indian law clearly separates casino gaming from sports betting. Games like Roulette work on chance with a fixed house edge, while cricket betting depends on match outcomes, player performance, and other unpredictable factors.
Regulators classify cricket betting as a game of chance, so it is not part of authorized casino activities. The PROGA 2025 Act reinforced this by banning online sports betting, including real-money fantasy cricket platforms.
Section 4A of the Goa Public Gambling Act allows casinos to lose licenses if they host unauthorized betting. The government focuses on making Goa a safe tourism and gaming hub, offering legal casino games while preventing problems from illegal sports wagering.
Recent Crackdown by The Goa Police on IPL Betting Sites in Goa
In 2025, the Goa Police blocked 371 websites and arrested 109 people for online gambling, according to the Times of India. The crackdown targeted illegal IPL betting apps, offshore platforms, and local networks operating outside licensed casinos.
Operations included digital surveillance, monitoring financial transactions, and coordinating raids across districts.
Authorities seized mobile phones, laptops, cash, and betting records. Many arrests involved middlemen connecting bettors to international bookmaking sites.
These illegal networks are separate from licensed casinos. They often use encrypted apps, cryptocurrency, and proxy servers to avoid detection.
Legal Games and Activities in Goa Casinos
In Goa Casinos, you can play table games like Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Poker, and Indian games such as Andar Bahar and Paplu on offshore casinos, with real dealers handling the cards or spinning the wheel.
In addition, electronic slot machines and gaming terminals are available on these vessels, providing a complete and modern casino experience for players.
Onshore casinos in five-star hotels, however, are limited to electronic games only, including digital blackjack, electronic roulette, and slot machines. Live dealers or manual tables are not allowed and can result in fines or closure.
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Conclusion: IPL betting is Not Allowed in Goa Casinos
Goa casinos operate under clear laws that prohibit IPL betting and other sports wagering. The Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976, permits only specific table games, slot machines, and approved electronic formats in licensed venues.
Casinos risk license cancellation or legal action if they host sportsbooks or cricket betting. Tourists should understand the difference between legal casino games and prohibited betting.
Offshore vessels and five-star hotel casinos offer a wide range of authorized entertainment, and visitors must follow the rules to enjoy a safe gaming experience.
FAQs
No, using VPNs to access betting platforms on casino vessels violates the Goa Public Gambling Act and Information Technology regulations.
No private clubs in Goa hold licenses for IPL betting. Sports wagering remains prohibited across all venues regardless of membership status or special licensing claims by establishments.
Tourists face imprisonment for up to three years and fines of up to five thousand rupees under Section 4.
Goa casinos cannot offer any betting on IPL matches, including prop bets, player performance wagers, or live in-game betting during match screenings in entertainment areas.
