Is it possible to open a casino in Goa?
The gambling industry is one of the lucrative businesses in India. But, gambling activities are not allowed in the whole area of India. Only Goa, Daman, and Sikkim allow operators to run the gambling business in this region.
Before 1999, the gambling business wasn't regulated in India. Goa became the pioneer who started to issue gambling licenses in India. This state became an example for others states and showed that the gambling business brought good revenue to the country's budget. The states that followed Goa are Daman and Diu, as well as Sikkim.
Nowadays, there are ten gambling establishments in Goa, with four of them floating casinos and the rest land-based. The floating casinos function on the Mandovi river. All these casinos are taxed at 10%.
Goa is also developing new laws to standardize player experiences, make solutions to labor issues and ensure the government will have an opportunity to track players at the gambling establishments.
In Daman, only one onshore casino operates. The casino is considered the most famous casino in India.
In the state of Sikkim, there are two gambling establishments:
- Casino Mahjong
- Casino Sikkim
There are talks about opening other casinos, but at the moment, the talks remain rumors.
How is the gambling business regulated in Goa?
The state does not have a clear law on online gambling, in spite of being an attractive place for the gambling business. This due to the fact that the boats and casino resorts serve domestic and foreign tourists, not local Goans.
It is worth noting, the residents of India prefer such gambling activities as lotteries, and for the last time, online gambling platforms as well. Although it is not exactly legal, online casinos in India are discreet and easy to access. But, it doesn’t mean that you should run your online casino illegally. You can obtain a gambling license in offshore jurisdictions like Curacao, Malta, Cyprus, and many others. This license will allow you to function on the gambling market in India legally.
As far as concern sports gambling in India, horse racing is protected by Supreme Court decisions. This activity is absolutely legal because it is considered a game of skill and not pure luck. Also, the country has been operating many race clubs, but any one of them is not based in Goa.
How to open a casino in Goa?
Due to strict prohibitions in the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Law of 1976, operators who want to launch casinos in Goa must:
- Place their casinos in five-star hotels or on offshore vessels.
- Entrepreneurs must obtain permission from the government in advance.
- Operators have to obey the laws regulating gambling in India.
References
How to start an online casino in 2021. Step-by-step guide | Slotegrator Academy