Big Daddy Casinos in Goa is a notable floating casino owned by Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd, which Gopa Kanda owns. It is recognized as one of the largest casinos in Asia and offers a variety of games and entertainment options.
However, the casino does not publicly reveal Big Daddy’s true owner. Behind this luxurious gaming establishment lies a fascinating and controversial figure whose story intertwines business, politics, and legal disputes.
This article looks into the life and empire of Gopal Kanda, the enigmatic owner of Big Daddy Casino, revealing the man behind one of India’s most prominent gaming destinations.
Who Is the Big Daddy Casino Owner?
Based on reports, Gopal Kanda, a businessman and politician whose career has been marked by remarkable achievements and significant controversies, owns Big Daddy Casino and operates it through his company, Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd (GGHPL).
Kanda has established himself as a notable figure in India’s gaming industry. As a businessman with diverse interests, Kanda has made history as the first casino owner in India to have contested and won in elections.
His business acumen has allowed him to build a significant corporate presence across multiple sectors, though his career has been shadowed by legal challenges and controversies that continue to follow him.
Kanda’s company GGHPL manages not only the Big Daddy Casino but also encompasses several hotels and malls, demonstrating his expansive business portfolio beyond the gaming industry.
His entry into the casino business represents just one facet of his wide-ranging entrepreneurial ventures.
Gopal Kanda Profile
According to Wikipedia, here’s a summary of Gopal Kanda’s profile:
| Business | Industry | Status | Year Established/Acquired | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd (GGHPL) | Hospitality & Gaming | Active | 2008 | Parent company that operates Big Daddy Casino and other ventures |
| Big Daddy Casino | Gaming & Entertainment | Active | Launched May 2019 | Floating casino on Mandovi River, Goa; 50,000 sq ft facility with 110 gaming tables |
| Casino Rio | Gaming | Former | Acquired 2011 | Acquired from Leela Group of Hotels; faced licensing issues |
| MDLR Airlines | Aviation | Defunct | 2005 | Ceased operations in 2009 due to bankruptcy |
| Hotels | Hospitality | Active | – | Multiple properties under GGHPL |
| Shopping Malls | Retail | Active | – | Multiple properties under GGHPL |
| Real Estate Development | Property | Active | Since 1997 | Started in Gurgaon as a broker, then became a developer |
| Car Dealerships | Automotive | Status Unknown | – | Mentioned in his business portfolio |
| Music Shop | Retail | Former | – | Early unsuccessful venture in Sirsa |
| Shoe Business | Retail | Former | – | Early unsuccessful venture in Sirsa |
| Designer Clothing Production | Fashion | Status Unknown | By 2005 | Mentioned as part of his diversified interests |
| Export Business | Trade | Status Unknown | By 2005 | Mentioned as part of his diversified interests |
Gopal Kanda’s career trajectory spans business, aviation, and politics. Before his casino ventures, Kanda launched MDLR Airlines in 2005, though the company eventually went bankrupt. Now, only the MDLR group website exists, which links to the ownership of BigDaddy Casino.
This early business venture demonstrated his willingness to enter competitive industries, a trait that would later serve him in the casino sector.
Kanda’s political career began when he won the polls from the Sirsa seat in 2009 as an Independent candidate. He subsequently formed his own political party, the Haryana Lokhit Party, establishing himself as a political force in Haryana state.
His interest in Goa’s casino sector dates back to 2011 when he acquired the offshore Casino Rio from the Leela Group of Hotels, but couldn’t operate it due to licensing issues.
After resolving these challenges, Big Daddy Casino eventually emerged as GGHPL’s second ship to legally operate in the Mandovi River, marking Kanda’s successful entry into Goa’s competitive casino market.
Background on Big Daddy Casino
Big Daddy Casino stands out in Goa’s competitive casino market as a premier entertainment destination. The casino operates from a specially commissioned 72-meter-long and 24-meter-wide Panamanian vessel managed by Golden Globe Hotels Private Limited (GGHPL).
Since its grand opening in May 2019, the casino has transformed Goa’s tourism landscape with its distinctive offerings.
Housed across three decks spanning approximately 50,000 square feet, the casino features 110 gaming tables offering a diverse range of experiences from local favorites like Indian Flush to international classics such as American Roulette, BlackJack, and various Poker variants.
The establishment isn’t merely about gaming, it’s a comprehensive entertainment complex.
With a capacity for 1,500 guests, over 200 gaming tables, and 900 gaming positions, including a VIP gaming zone, the casino also houses multi-cuisine restaurants, bars, live entertainment areas, and an expansive sundeck.
This combination of luxury amenities has positioned Big Daddy Casino as a significant contributor to Goa’s tourism economy.
Big Daddy Business Operations
The casino’s operations embrace both traditional and modern gaming experiences. Players can enjoy everything from Indian card games to multiple Poker variations. The Goa casino entry charges range from packages for adults to children with dedicated spaces.
The gaming floor buzzes with activity around the clock, catering to amateur players and professional gamblers.
Beyond gaming, Big Daddy Casino offers comprehensive entertainment options. The luxury ship includes a multi-cuisine restaurant serving local and global cuisines, a bar, a live barbecue area on the topmost deck, and a sundeck.
Regular entertainment performances featuring local and international artists create a vibrant atmosphere comparable to international gaming destinations like Las Vegas and Macau.
Note: Read more about Big Daddy Casino charges in our guide covering casino charges across Goa
The Owner’s Vision for Big Daddy Casino
When launching Big Daddy Casino, Kanda and his team articulated an ambitious vision.
According to Narinder Punj, Chief Visionary Officer and Mentor of Big Daddy Goa, “Big Daddy Casino is all set to revolutionize the gaming industry & redefine the rules of offshore gaming. We firmly believe that Big Daddy Casino will immensely contribute to the growth of tourism in Goa.”
This vision extends beyond merely providing gaming services to establishing Goa as a global gaming destination.
The casino aims to bring “the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas and Macau” to India, attracting visitors from around the world interested in high-end gaming experiences.
The management sees the venture as “a source of potential revenue and a panacea to economic and tourism woes” that will “help generate revenue, employment, and boost tourism for the state of Goa”.
This broader economic vision reflects Kanda’s understanding of the casino’s potential impact beyond immediate profits.
Controversies and Legal Challenges For the Owner Of Big Daddy Casino
Gopal Kanda’s business career has been overshadowed by significant legal challenges.
In August 2023, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at Kanda’s residence and premises linked to the defunct MDLR Airlines over money laundering charges, shortly after he was acquitted in the Geetika Sharma suicide case.
The casino owner has faced serious legal accusations including “multiple rape and unnatural offenses and abetment to suicide of one of his employees, Geetika Sharma”.
These severe allegations have significantly impacted his public image despite his business success.
Another controversy emerged regarding potential associations with other controversial figures. In 2023, Big Daddy Casino officially denied any connection with casino organizer Chikoti Praveen Kumar after media reports suggested Kumar managed a floor of the casino.
A company representative stated: “We would like to clarify that Mr Chikoti Praveen Kumar is not associated with Big Daddy Casino in any capacity.”
Kanda’s name also surfaced in the Sonali Phogat case, with allegations that he had connections to individuals involved in the investigation. These recurring controversies highlight the complex nature of Kanda’s public persona despite his business achievements.
The Big Daddy Casino Owner’s Impact on the Local Economy
Despite the controversies surrounding its owner, Big Daddy Casino has made significant contributions to Goa’s economy. The establishment has generated employment opportunities and attracted “high-end foreign and Indian tourist arrivals” which helps “generate revenue, employment, boost tourism for the state of Goa”.
As one of Goa’s largest floating casinos, the venue provides jobs across multiple sectors, from gaming operations to hospitality and entertainment.
The economic ripple effect extends to supporting industries such as transportation, with regular ferry services connecting the mainland to the offshore casino.
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Conclusion: Big Daddy Casino is owned by Gopal Kand
Big Daddy Casino is owned by Gopal Kanda, which is operated by Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd (GGHPL), representing a complex figure in India’s business and political landscape.
His flagship venture, Big Daddy Casino, stands as a testament to his vision of creating world-class entertainment experiences in India. Despite the controversies that have marked his career, Kanda’s influence on Goa’s tourism industry through Big Daddy Casino remains significant.
The establishment continues to draw visitors with its luxury offerings and comprehensive entertainment options, contributing to the local economy and employment landscape.
For visitors stepping aboard the floating casino, the experience represents a gaming venture and a chapter in the complex narrative of one of India’s most enigmatic business and political figures.
FAQs
Big Daddy Casino is owned by Gopal Kanda, a businessman and politician from Haryana who operates it through his company Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd (GGHPL).
Big Daddy Casino commenced operations on May 9, 2019, with an 11-day grand opening celebration that continued until May 19, 2019.
Big Daddy Casino offers a wide range of gaming options, including Indian card games like Teen Patti, Western classics like American Roulette, BlackJack, various Poker variants, and more across its 110 gaming tables.
Yes, Gopal Kanda has faced several legal challenges, including investigations by the Enforcement Directorate for alleged money laundering and previous cases related to abetment to suicide and other serious charges, though he was acquitted in the Geetika Sharma case before the 2023 ED raids.
