The history of casinos in Goa dates back to the early 1990s when the state government first introduced Amendments to the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976, which legalized casinos in the former Portuguese colony. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the first offshore casinos were established in Goa, primarily to cater to the growing number of tourists visiting the state.
The first casino in Goa was the “Casino Carnival” which was launched in 1999. It was initially located on a yacht in the Mandovi River, but it was later shifted to a more permanent location onshore. The casino was owned and operated by the Goa-based N.K. Group. At present there are 10 onshore casinos and 6 offshore casinos. The number of onshore casinos is expected to go up while the Goa cabinet has imposed a cap on offshore casinos.
The industry has become a significant source of revenue for the state government, and it has also created employment opportunities for thousands of people. Successive governments of Congress and BJP governments in Goa have patronised the growth of casinos while in power, but vehemently demanded their removal while in the opposition.
Despite contribution to state revenue, the issue of the social acceptability of casinos remains a contentious one in Goa. While some argue that casinos provide entertainment and generate revenue, others argue that they have a negative impact on society, particularly on vulnerable sections such as youth and low-income groups.
In recent years, there have been calls for stricter regulation of the casino industry in Goa, particularly with regard to issues such as underage gambling, money laundering, and addiction. The state government has responded by introducing several measures to address these concerns, such as imposing restrictions on the entry of locals into casinos. The constitutional challenge to restriction on entry of locals was dismissed by Bombay High Court in 2021.
In summary, the evolution of casinos in Goa has been marked by a complex interplay between law and social acceptance. While the industry has grown significantly over the years, it continues to face criticism and calls for stricter regulation. It remains to be seen how the industry will evolve in the future. As on date, the sector is a significant revenue generator for the state.