Casino gambling is legal in Goa, one of only three places in India where you can legally enjoy casino gaming.
The state allows casinos under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976. All casinos in Goa are licensed and regulated by the state government through strict rules.
This article covers the types of casinos you’ll find, the age limits, restrictions on who can enter, and safety measures that keep the games fair.
Different Types of Casinos in Goa
Casinos in Goa are legal based on where they operate. The law allows casinos in five-star hotels and on offshore vessels. Each type offers a different experience.
| Feature | Offshore Casinos (River Cruises) | Onshore Casinos (5-Star Hotels) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Anchored in the Mandovi River, Panjim | Located inside luxury hotels/resorts |
| Game Types | Live Dealers: Poker, Blackjack, Roulette | Electronic/Slot Machines Only |
| Vibe | High-energy, multi-level entertainment | Private, quiet, tech-focused |
| Legality | Fully legal under offshore licenses | Fully legal under onshore licenses |
Offshore casinos operate on ships anchored in the Mandovi River and offer live dealer games, while onshore casinos in five-star hotels are limited to electronic gaming machines.
The offshore experience is bigger and flashier, with food, drinks, and entertainment included.
Land-based casinos are smaller but more private. Both types operate under government licenses with strict rules.
Goa Casinos Rules And Restrictions
Before you visit, understand who can enter and what you need to bring. The rules are enforced at every casino.
The Age Limit And ID Requirements
Minimum Age: You must be 21 years old to enter casino gaming floors in Goa. This is strictly enforced at every casino entrance.
Required Documents:
- Valid government-issued photo ID is mandatory (Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID)
- PAN Card is often required for transactions above certain amounts
- Driving licenses may not be accepted at all casinos, so bring primary documents
- Foreign tourists should carry their passports with valid visas
The Ban on Local Residents
Since February 2020, people who permanently live in Goa cannot enter casinos. This applies to anyone who is domiciled or holds a residential address in Goa.
Who Qualifies as a Tourist:
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You should not be a permanent resident of Goa
- You need proof that you’re visiting (hotel booking, travel tickets, or out-of-state address on ID)
- The law defines tourists as temporary visitors only
Why This Ban Exists:
- The government wants to protect local families from gambling addiction
- It prevents financial problems in the local community
- Casinos are meant to boost tourism, not affect residents
- The ban was challenged in court but upheld as being in the public interest
How It’s Enforced:
- Casinos check your address on ID cards at entry
- If your Aadhaar or other ID shows a Goa address, you will be denied entry
- Some casinos ask for hotel booking confirmations from tourists
Top 5 Legal Casinos In Goa
Here are the top 5 legal offshore and onshore casinos in Goa:
| Casino Name | Location | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deltin Royale | Panjim | Offshore | Asia’s largest offshore casino with a dedicated poker room and buffet. |
| Majestic Pride | Panjim | Offshore | Formerly Casino Pride 2; known for a 30,000 sq. ft. gaming area and Bollywood-style live acts. |
| Casino Strike | Bambolim | Onshore | Advanced electronic gaming and a high-end atmosphere. |
| Deltin Jaqk | Panjim | Offshore | Popular for beginners; offers “Learners’ Tables.” |
| Big Daddy Casino | Panjim | Offshore | 1995-built ship with 110 tables across 3 levels; known for high-stakes gaming and VIP lounges. |
Almost all legal casinos charge an entry fee, which typically includes a cover charge for food, drinks, and a few “One-Time Play” (OTPC) chips.
If you’re visiting an offshore casino, you’ll need to head to the Panjim Jetty (Dayanand Bandodkar Marg), where the casino’s feeder boats will pick you up and take you to the ship anchored in the river.
Are Goa Casinos Safe and Fair?
The Gaming Commissioner oversees all casino operations and is responsible for issuing licenses, regulating gaming, Gambling laws and maintaining fairness and transparency.
This government officer makes sure casinos follow the rules. All casino machines use Random Number Generators (RNG) that create fair, unpredictable results.
Both Sikkim and Nagaland require rigorous testing to ensure fairness and randomness in gaming systems.
Live dealer tables are monitored with heavy CCTV cameras to protect both players and the house from cheating.
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Conclusion: Land & Floating Casinos Are Legal In Goa
Casinos are legal in Goa but operate under strict government rules. You must be 21 years old and carry a valid ID.
If you live in Goa permanently, you cannot enter. The Gaming Commissioner watches over everything to ensure fair play.
When you visit, set a budget before you start playing. Remember that casinos are for entertainment, not a way to make money. Enjoy the experience responsibly.
Ready to experience Goa’s casinos? Make sure you have your ID, know the rules, and gamble responsibly!
FAQs
Casinos are allowed in Goa under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976, which permits both offshore and onshore casinos. The state government licenses and regulates all operations.
Offshore casinos were established because Indian laws initially prohibited gambling on land, but there was no regulation on water. The law now allows both types, but some of the best casinos remain on ships along the Mandovi River.
Casinos are legal only in three locations: Goa, Sikkim, and the union territory of Daman and Diu. Each place has its own state laws allowing regulated casino gambling.
Matka is banned under the Public Gambling Act, 1867. Despite being illegal, matka gambling continues to operate underground in Goa, but it is not legal or permitted in casinos.
Delta Corp Limited is the largest casino operator, holding three of six offshore gaming licenses in Goa. Pride Group is the second-largest operator with two offshore casinos. MDLR Group owns one license.
