Goa remains one of the only states in India where both onshore and offshore casino gambling is legally permitted. This regulatory distinction has helped shape its identity as a key gaming destination in the country.
Often referred to as the “Las Vegas of India,” Goa’s casino sector contributes significantly to state revenue and employment while attracting tourists from across India and abroad.
This report provides a 2025 data-based overview of Goa’s casino landscape. It covers the number of licensed casinos, their locations, revenue trends, visitor demographics, and how digital gambling is influencing the sector’s future.
Official Number of Casinos in Goa (2025)
As of 2025, Goa has 13 officially licensed casinos, reflecting a stable yet competitive gaming environment.
These are classified into 7 onshore (land-based) casinos, located exclusively within five-star hotels, and 6 offshore (floating) casinos, stationed on vessels in the Mandovi River. This dual structure continues to define Goa’s unique casino culture.
1. Onshore Casinos (Hotel-Based)
Onshore casinos are permitted only in five-star hotels under Goa’s gambling regulations.
These venues primarily offer electronic gaming, such as slot machines and digital card games. They cater to tourists looking for convenience, comfort, and a touch of luxury.
Notable Onshore Casinos:
| Casino Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Grand 7 Casino | Candolim | Offers a variety of electronic games and live entertainment. |
| Strike Casino | Grand Hyatt, Bambolim | Known for its vibrant ambiance and gaming options. |
| Zuri White Sands | Varca | Features a range of electronic gaming machines. |
| Neo Majestic | Porvorim | Provides a luxurious gaming experience. |
| Casino Paradise | Panaji | Offers electronic games in a sophisticated setting. |
| Casino Carnival | Panaji | Known for its diverse gaming options and events. |
Additional venues include Casino Paradise (Panaji), Casino Palms (Baga), and Casino Carnival (Panaji).
2. Offshore Casinos (Floating)
Offshore casinos offer live gaming, including poker, blackjack, and roulette. Located on vessels moored in the Mandovi River, these casinos are accessible by shuttle ferries and provide a full-service entertainment experience.
Major Offshore Casinos:
| Casino Name | Operator | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Deltin Royale | Delta Corp | One of the largest offshore casinos with live gaming tables. |
| Deltin JAQK | Delta Corp | Offers a variety of live games and entertainment. |
| Big Daddy | Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd | Asia’s largest floating casino with extensive gaming options. |
| Casino Pride | Pride Group | Known for its vibrant atmosphere and live shows. |
| Casino Pride 2 | Pride Group | Offers a mix of gaming and entertainment options. |
| Casino Paradise | MDLR Group | Provides a luxurious gaming experience on the river. |
This classification highlights Goa’s well-regulated gaming sector, accommodating both electronic and live gaming across multiple venues.
Goa Casino Tourism Statistics & Visitor Patterns
Goa’s casinos attract an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 visitors daily, a significant number considering the state’s overall tourist traffic.
These establishments have become an integral part of Goa’s tourism ecosystem, drawing visitors not only for gambling but for the diverse entertainment and luxury experiences that accompany it.
Casino Visitor Demographics and Trends
The majority of casino-goers in Goa are domestic tourists, particularly from metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
However, with 21% growth in 2024 of international tourists, especially from Russia, the UK, and the Middle East, also contribute to the footfall.
Visitors typically fall into the 25 to 45 age bracket, though family groups and older adults are increasingly exploring casino packages.
See whether kids are allowed in Goa casinos for more details as part of holistic travel experiences.
Goa Casino Visitor Preferences & Packages
Many casinos offer bundled packages that are priced around the ₹1,000–₹5,999 price range and include:
- Unlimited buffet meals and premium drinks.
- Free or discounted game chips.
- Live entertainment such as DJ sets, traditional Goan performances, or Bollywood-themed shows.
- Complimentary pick-up and drop-off services from major tourist hubs.
These inclusions have made casino visits more accessible and appealing to a broader audience, from first-time players to seasoned gamblers.
Entertainment Integration
Goa’s casinos now function as full-scale entertainment venues. From rooftop lounges and gourmet restaurants to all-night music shows and theme parties, casinos provide a vibrant nightlife experience unmatched elsewhere in India.
This strategic integration of gaming with broader leisure activities has significantly elevated the appeal of casinos as key attractions in Goa’s tourism portfolio.
Source: BBC
Map of Casino Distribution: Onshore vs Offshore
Goa’s casinos are strategically distributed across its northern regions, aligning with key tourist hubs to maximize accessibility and footfall.
While onshore casinos are located within luxury hotels, offshore casinos are anchored in specific mooring points along the Mandovi River.
Onshore Casino Clusters
- Calangute and Baga: These bustling beach towns house several prominent onshore casinos like Casino Palms and Grand 7. Their proximity to popular nightlife spots makes them ideal for casual gamers and party-goers.
- Panaji: The state capital is home to upscale hotels featuring casinos like Casino Paradise and Carnival, catering to both local and foreign guests.
- Nerul and Bambolim: These areas host premium properties such as the Grand Hyatt, where Casino Strike draws high-end clientele.
Offshore Goa Casino Hubs
The Mandovi River in Panaji serves as the central docking point for all of Goa’s offshore casinos. These vessels are firmly anchored at designated mooring spots and are accessible via private shuttle services, offering visitors safe, reliable, and hassle-free transport to the floating casinos.
Key mooring spots support operations for Deltin Royale, Big Daddy, and Casino Pride, forming a floating casino corridor.
This geographic distribution ensures that casinos are conveniently located for tourists while maintaining regulatory compliance with state gaming laws.
Goa Casino Revenue Generated
The casino industry is a major economic pillar for Goa, generating substantial direct revenues while also fueling growth across allied sectors such as hospitality, transportation, food services, and entertainment.
In the fiscal year 2023–2024, Goa’s casinos generated ₹606 crore in gross revenue, marking a 70% increase compared to the previous year. This significant rise reflects the sector’s steady recovery after the pandemic. It also highlights continued tourist interest and strong operational performance across the industry.
Offshore casinos alone contributed ₹187 crore in license fees, highlighting their financial importance.
Employment and Ancillary Benefits From Goa Casinos
Casinos in Goa support over 14,000 direct and indirect jobs across the state. Employment includes roles in gaming, hospitality, security, entertainment, and logistics. This workforce plays a key role in sustaining the local tourism economy.
Additionally, the casino sector indirectly benefits a range of allied industries:
- Hospitality: Increases hotel occupancy rates, especially in five-star properties.
- Food and Beverage: Drives demand for high-end dining and bar services.
- Transport: Boosts local taxi, rental, and shuttle services.
- Event Management: Fuels demand for live shows, DJ nights, and special events within casino venues.
Tourism Stabilization From Casinos in Goa
Beyond revenue and jobs, casinos help stabilize Goa’s year-round tourism. Unlike seasonal beach tourism, casino footfall is more consistent, sustaining economic activity even during monsoon months.
This continuous visitor flow is critical in maintaining business momentum across the tourism and service industries.
The casino sector, therefore, stands as both an economic engine and a strategic pillar of Goa’s broader development agenda.
What’s the Biggest Casino in Goa?
Big Daddy Casino, anchored on the Mandovi River in Panaji, is considered Asia’s largest and most luxurious floating casino. It features hundreds of gaming tables, live entertainment, fine dining, and VIP areas, making it a major draw for high-end visitors.
Operated by Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd (GGHPL), it sits on a 72-meter-long vessel with over 200 gaming tables, 900 positions, VIP zones, sundecks, restaurants, and live performances, offering a premium experience that blends luxury with entertainment.
The casino is owned by Gopal Goyal Kanda, a controversial businessman and politician. Though the ownership isn’t prominently publicized, reports confirm Kanda controls the venture through GGHPL, which manages a broad portfolio across hospitality, real estate, and retail.
Kanda’s business career has faced multiple legal challenges, including serious allegations and Enforcement Directorate investigations. Despite this, he continues to expand his business interests across sectors like hospitality, real estate, and gaming, including ownership of Big Daddy Casino.
Big Daddy’s 24/7 operations, high-end appeal, and expansion plans make it a cornerstone of Goa’s tourism and nightlife.
As of 2025, it stands not just as a casino, but as a symbol of Goa’s evolving entertainment industry.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit a Casino in Goa?
Casino entry costs in Goa vary based on the venue, day, and what the package includes. Prices typically range from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000, covering meals, drinks, gaming chips, and entertainment.
Most casinos offer comprehensive packages that bundle access with entertainment, food, beverages, and game chips. You can explore detailed casino charges in Goa to plan your visit accordingly.
Below is a breakdown of the standard entry charges in 2025:
| Casino Name | Entry Charges (₹) | Inclusions | Operating Hours | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Daddy | ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 | Buffet, drinks, game chips, live shows | 24×7 | Adults 21+, families |
| Deltin Royale | ₹3,150 – ₹4,950 | Gourmet meals, premium drinks, live music | 24×7 | Mid to high-range budgets |
| Casino Pride | ₹2,000 – ₹5,500 | Food, drinks, vouchers, cultural performances | 24×7 | Budget travelers to VIPs |
| Grand 7 Casino | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 | Buffet, drinks, gaming chips, free shuttle | 24×7 | Solo players, couples |
| Casino Strike | ₹2,600 – ₹10,600 | DJ access, gourmet buffet, premium lounge | 24×7 | High-rollers, party groups |
Most packages allow unlimited access for one night and include tax and service charges. Premium packages often feature reserved seating, priority service, and exclusive access to VIP zones.
Entry is restricted to adults aged 21 and above. Check age requirements here. ID verification is mandatory at entry points.
These structured offerings make casinos in Goa appealing to a wide range of tourists, from casual players to serious gamers and luxury seekers.
Legal & Regulatory Landscape for Casinos in Goa
Casino operations in Goa are governed by the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976, which allows licensed gambling within clearly defined legal frameworks.
Goa, along with Sikkim, is one of the only states in India where both onshore and offshore casinos are legally permitted under regulated conditions defined by Indian gambling laws.
Source: Here
Key Legal Distinctions
- Onshore Casinos: Allowed only within five-star hotels and limited to electronic gaming (no live gambling).
- Offshore Casinos: Operate on vessels anchored in the Mandovi River and are permitted to host live table games like roulette, poker, and blackjack.
Entry Restrictions for Goans in Casinos
While casinos cater primarily to tourists, there are strict guidelines concerning local participation. Residents of Goa must present proof of income and undergo screening before being permitted entry, ensuring that gambling is approached responsibly.
Source: The Goan Everyday
2025 Regulatory Update
In a move to stabilize the industry, the Goa government extended all offshore casino licenses until March 31, 2027.
This extension provides a secure operational window, encouraging long-term investments while regulators continue to evaluate more permanent riverfront zoning policies.
The legal framework reflects the government’s attempt to balance economic incentives with social responsibility, making Goa’s model a unique case study in regulated gambling within India.
Source: The Goan Everyday
Online Gambling and Digital Gaming Parallel
While Goa’s physical casinos continue to thrive, India’s digital gaming landscape is rapidly evolving. The rise of mobile casino apps and online gambling platforms is fueled by growing smartphone use, easy digital payments, and a tech-savvy, younger audience.
Rise of Digital Platforms
Online gaming sites now offer virtual poker, blackjack, roulette, and slot games, some even mimicking the ambience of real casinos. These platforms have gained traction among users who prefer the convenience of playing from home, especially in states where physical casinos are not permitted.
Regulatory Challenges
While physical casinos in Goa operate under well-defined state laws, the legal status of online gambling in India remains ambiguous. The Goa government has taken a cautious stance, recently blocking over 60 unauthorized gambling websites to curb illegal betting and ensure consumer protection.
Market Impacts
The growing popularity of digital gaming brings both challenges and opportunities for Goa’s casino industry. While physical casinos face potential declines in footfall, many operators are adopting hybrid models that blend online engagement, like app-based loyalty programs and digital game previews, with on-site promotions and real-world experiences.
As the regulatory landscape evolves, digital gaming is expected to reshape the contours of gambling in India, including how Goa’s casinos adapt and expand.
Summary & Strategic Outlook
As of 2025, Goa remains India’s premier gaming destination, hosting 13 licensed casinos, 7 onshore and 6 offshore. With a well-defined legal framework and licenses extended until 2027, the industry enjoys a period of regulatory stability.
Casinos play a vital role in boosting Goa’s economy, tourism, and employment, while helping stabilize off-season travel through year-round entertainment and bundled experiences. Meanwhile, the rise of online gambling platforms introduces both competitive pressure and opportunities for innovation, driving traditional casinos to explore hybrid models that blend digital and physical engagement.
Looking ahead, Goa’s casino sector is poised for sustainable growth through:
- Onshore expansion via luxury hotel partnerships
- Digitally integrated experiences
- Continued government support for tourism-driven development
Goa’s position as the casino capital of India is not just secure, it’s evolving to meet the demands of a modern, tech-savvy audience, both on land and online.
Conclusion: 13 Officially Listed Casinos Operate in Goa
Goa’s casino industry in 2025 is a vibrant convergence of legal clarity, tourism appeal, and immersive entertainment. With 13 licensed casinos and firm regulatory support, the sector not only sustains thousands of jobs but also drives consistent, year-round tourism.
As digital gaming continues to rise, Goa’s casino operators are adapting through hybrid models and premium experiences. The state remains India’s undisputed casino capital, and its ability to balance tradition with innovation will be key to long-term growth and relevance.
