Goa, the only state in India where gambling is legal, has recently introduced significant policy adjustments. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced during the submission of the 2026-27 fiscal year budget that the application fee for new land-based casinos will be increased by 200%. Additionally, the license fees for liquor stores and restaurants are also set to increase, with the transfer fee rising to 2.5 million rupees. In plain terms, the cost of opening a casino in Goa is going to double. Interested in the latest updates on gambling regulations in India? Follow the PASA official website for ongoing updates.
Land license fees tripled, the number of offshore casinos locked
Sawant clarified to the parliament that this rate hike applies only to land-based casinos, and no new offshore casinos will be approved, with the existing number of offshore casinos locked at six. Currently, Goa has 13 casinos, with 7 on land and 6 moored on the Mandovi River in Panaji. The budget also proposes adjustments to the license fees for liquor stores and restaurants, with application fees set at 2 million rupees and transfer fees increased to 2.5 million rupees, changes that will indirectly affect the operating costs of casinos. Sawant stated that the budget aims to support the "Viksit Goa 2037" strategy, promoting infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sustainable development.
Controversy over offshore casinos resurfaces, residents protest new vessel launch
Offshore casinos have long been a concern for local residents. People complain about river traffic congestion, damage to fisheries, and some oppose gambling on religious grounds. The government has repeatedly promised to relocate the floating casinos to other waterways, but has not been successful. Amidst the hike in land license fees, locals are protesting a new gambling vessel, reportedly capable of accommodating 2000 passengers, set to replace a smaller existing gambling boat. Retired judge Ferdino Rebello revealed that he is preparing a petition, questioning the legality of the new gambling boat and challenging other regulatory violations in casino operations.
Regulatory upgrade: Gambling Commissioner to be granted shutdown authority
The new budget also seeks to strengthen regulation without killing revenue. Recently, Goa proposed appointing a Gambling Commissioner, who would have authority over all gambling operations, from player profile reviews to anti-money laundering measures. The Commissioner will have the authority to shut down any casino that violates regulations, marking a new phase in Goa's regulation of the gambling industry.
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This article is from "PASA-Global iGaming Leader," a gambling industry news channel:https://t.me/pasa_news
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