TOP 5 Indian Casino Resorts: Unknown Gambling Destinations

Casinos in India stand out for their extraordinary originality. In the late 90s of the 20th century, gambling was prohibited by law here. However, a network of illegal establishments has always existed and brought in over $ 60 billion a year. Nowadays, gambling is legal in three states: Goa, Sikkim, and Punjab. Thus, let’s look at the TOP 5 Indian casino resorts!

Indian gambling market today

Goa is one of the few states in India where gambling is legal. Indeed, Goa’s casinos can be found on boats anchored in the Mandovi River and on the banks of some of the prestigious hotels. Most of the live table action takes place in floating casinos, which are entertainment destinations in themselves. By law, onshore casinos can only have electronic games. Meanwhile, the offshore casino market is dominated by the Deltin Group and the Pride Group. Modern and stylish, Deltin casinos have higher buy-in fees and are targeted at the niche segment. Thus, they are especially popular with Western gamers. 

Nevertheless, the Pride Group, with lower registration fees, caters more to the masses and the Indian market. Besides, this group also operates two small onshore casinos – Casino Palms (at La Calypso Hotel in Baga) and Casino Paradise (at Neo Majestic Hotel in Porvorim). However, these casinos are more suitable for casual gamblers than tourists. And if you want to travel far away for your favorite hobby, read our article about the Best Gambling Destinations for Summer Vacation. Meanwhile, those who prefer to stay home can always visit online casinos in India. 

Despite the legalization of the gambling business in Goa, not every person can go in and try their luck there. Visiting gambling houses in the state of Goa is allowed exclusively for tourists. Residents are strictly prohibited by law from gambling in casinos. To enter the gambling establishment, the visitor is obliged to provide evidence confirming that one is a real tourist. For this reason, many of the visitors constantly carry a certain set of documents with them. After all, a trip to a casino is often a spontaneous decision that appears right next to a gambling establishment.

TOP 5 Indian casino resorts: Deltin Royal

Goa’s largest luxury floating casino, Deltin Royale, unsurprisingly is the most popular casino in the state. Floors of over 40,000 square feet, with 123 gaming tables, a gourmet restaurant, an entertainment area, and a children’s area. Moreover, the casino has the only private poker room in India as well as an exclusive Indian Flush room (Teen Patti). There is also an exclusive whiskey lounge with an excellent selection of single malt and hand-rolled cigars. Besides, world-class entertainment such as international dancers, comedy shows, and live bands are provided. Finally, there are VIP playsets in which guests can stay and play. Online gamblers should visit the 1XBET Casino. There everyone can experience the atmosphere of a virtual casino resort. 

Pride Casino

The hugely popular Pride Casino offers most of the games that Deltin Royale makes. However, it is a bit cheaper per wallet. It attracts Indian high rollers who come to play at Teen Patti, as well as hosting major poker tournaments and performing live Bollywood-style performances. There are three floors, over 30,000 square feet, with a 10,000 square foot Weather Deck (great for parties!). Besides, there you will find about 40 gaming tables plus slot machines. In addition, there is a special area for children with games to keep children entertained. Indeed, it is one of the TOP 5 Indian casino resorts. 

TOP 5 Indian casino resorts: Strike

If you’re looking for a land-based casino, the lavish Strike at the Grand Hyatt is your best bet. Launched in August 2016, it is the largest land-based casino in India and is as close as you can live on land in Goa. This is made possible by the fusion of real playing cards, hand shuffles, live dealers, and slot machines. The gaming tables are located on three floors – the main floor, the VIP floor, and the high roller floor. Moreover, they have the latest slot machines and games not found in any other casino in India. Indeed, Russian dancers are the highlight of the entertainment. There’s also a DJ every night. Finally, other services include crèches and Playstation games for teens.

Chances Casino and Resort

Chances Casino and Resort is a 53-room luxury boutique hotel located in the picturesque Waingvinim Valley, near Panjim. The casino claims to be famous for being the oldest land-based in Goa and still has traditional coin slot machines. Unfortunately, this gambling establishment does not get as much attention as others due to its quieter southern Goa location. However, it is famous among casual players and locals alike. A free dinner buffet is provided for players. There is also live music every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. Moreover, Stay and Play packages are available. The variety of games here is almost the same as in online gambling sites in India.

TOP 5 Indian casino resorts: Caravela 

The opening of this unusual casino on the water took place back in 2001. As on an opening day, the “Caravela” continues to sail off the coast of Goa. It is worth noting that at the moment this state in India remains the only one where the gambling business is considered legal. However, not only for this reason, Goa is famous all over the world. Today it is the only state where you can see firsthand and visit a floating casino. In addition to such an unusual casino, the state has many standard gambling houses that are very popular among many tourists.

It is impossible to get on board the floating casino like in other gambling houses. Casino – the ship is constantly moving along the coast of Goa. Therefore, you can get on the ship only with the help of a boat that periodically floats to the shore for the next visitors. The owners of the floating casino have thought through everything to the smallest detail. Indeed, even waiting for the boat for many tourists takes place in comfortable conditions. The specially created small waiting rooms allow any tourist to wait for the boat in a calm atmosphere. Besides, the bar located nearby makes it possible to pass the time more cheerfully. 

In the casino itself, everything is about chic and money. Yes, it is worth noting that most of the croupiers there are beautiful girls. A polite attitude and a variety of gaming tables and slots allow many tourists to get a huge dose of adrenaline and pleasure from the game in the floating casino. Of course, the bans that have appeared have somewhat reduced the income of gambling houses. Therefore, the law that came into force had practically no effect on the profitability of gambling establishments.

Conclusion

The top authorities give every reason to understand that no measures are coming to expand gambling and soften the rules of its operation. Indian Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has expressed his strong opposition to the legalization of sports betting. When asked about his views on legalization, he replied that it was immoral and illegal. The head of the Cricket Control Council adheres to the opposite point of view, which assures that legalization will help in the fight against corruption in this sports discipline. At the same time, the Goa government never developed a policy to regulate gambling and did not take specific actions to move floating casinos to another location. 

Also, despite the disagreement of the players in the gambling market, the Council on Taxes on Goods and Services of India established a uniform tax rate for lotteries: for private distributors – 28%, and state lotteries – 12%. The Maharashtra government, represented by Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, recently decided to ban online lotteries in the state, as revenue was lost due to the inability to track online ticket sales. As a reminder, thanks to the work of the gambling operator Danske Spil, 29 people became millionaires in 2019. What will happen to the TOP 5 casino resorts? Hopefully, they will remain working. Meanwhile, you can visit the 1XBET Casino. Good luck!

Click here to visit the 1xBET Casino