Top 3 Casinos in Goa to Try Your Luck

Goa is one of the few states in India where gambling is legal. Casinos in Goa can be found on boats anchored in the Mandovi River, and onshore in some upmarket hotels. Most of the action, with live tables, takes place on the floating casinos -- which are entertainment destinations within themselves. By law, onshore casinos can only have electronic games.

The offshore casino market is dominated by the Deltin Group and the Pride Group. Deltin's modern and classy casinos have higher entry fees and focus on a niche segment. They're particularly popular with players of western games. The Pride Group, with lower entry fees, caters more to the masses and the Indian market.

The Pride Group also operates two small onshore casinos -- Casino Palms (at the La Calypso hotel in Baga) and Casino Paradise (at the Hotel Neo Majestic in Pororvim). However, these casinos are more suited to habitual gamblers than tourists.

01 Big Daddy Casino

Big Daddy Casino, owned by Golden Globe Hotels, is Goa's newest offshore casino. It launched in May 2019 and aims to give some serious competition to the Deltin Royale. The casino describes itself as the “biggest and most modern offshore gaming destination in Asia” with gaming equipment on par with Las Vegas and Macau. Its 50,000 square foot MV Lucky Seven boat has three levels of gaming with 110 tables, and 900 gaming positions and automatic machines. One of the floors is solely for high rollers, with VIP gaming room and "no-limits" tables where there's no cap on the stakes. There's also an entertainment zone, gourmet multi-cuisine restaurant, bar, cigar lounge, barbecue area, sundeck, and children's play area. The entertainment includes live dance performances, live musicians and bands, DJs and international artists, and celebrity appearances. The casino is expected to be particularly popular with Indian gamblers due to its extensive range of India-specific games.

Address: Captain of Ports Jetty, Panjim. Phone: 89998-89998 (cell).
Cost: Packages start from 2,500 rupees per person for Daytime Deals with 1,000 One Time Play Chips and unlimited alcoholic drinks included. Regular packages are 2,500 rupees per person Monday to Thursday. Unlimited food, alcoholic drinks, entertainment, and 1,500 rupees One Time Play Chips included. Special Poker Packages, Couples Packages, VIP Packages, Youth Packages, and Kids Packages are available.
Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Dress: Smart casual (no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or flip-flops/chappals).
Types of Games: Baccarat, Roulette, Andar Bahar, Rashi Wheel, 3 Card Poker, 5 Card Poker, Mini Flush, Mang Patta, Black Jack, Casino War, Texas Hold'em Poker, Indian Flush, Papplu (Indian Rummy).

02 Deltin Royale

The grand and classy Deltin Royale has a very substantial 40,000 square feet of space, spread over four floors with 123 gaming tables, a gourmet multi-cuisine restaurant, entertainment area, and Kids Zone. The casino's dedicated poker room and exclusive room for Indian Flush (Teen Patti) are big attractions. There's also an exclusive whiskey lounge, with a magnificent selection of single malts and hand-rolled cigars. World-class entertainment is provided such international dancers, comedy shows, and live bands. Special "Stay and Play" gaming and dining experiences are offered at Deltin Suites.

Address: Boards from Noah's Ark, RND Jetty, D. Bandodkar Road, Panjim. Phone: 98196-98196 (cell).
Cost: Packages start from 3,000 rupees per person Monday to Thursday. Unlimited food, alcoholic drinks, entertainment, and 2,000 rupees One Time Play Chips included. Special Ladies Packages, VIP Packages, and Kids Packages are available.
Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Entertainment begins at 7-9 p.m and concludes at midnight or 1 a.m.
Dress: Smart casual (no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or flip-flops/chappals).
Types of Games: Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold'em Poker, 3 Card Poker, 5 Card Poker, Mini Flush, Casino War, Money Wheel, and slot machines.

03 Casino Pride

Hugely popular Casino Pride offers most of the games that the Deltin Royale does. However, it's a bit cheaper on the wallet. It attracts Indian high-rollers who come to play Teen Patti, and also hosts big poker tournaments and has Bollywood-style live acts. There are three floors, spread over 30,000 square feet, with a 10,000 square foot Weather Deck (great for parties!) and around 40 gaming tables plus slot machines. In addition, there's a special Kid's Zone with games to keep the children entertained.

Address: Captain of Ports Jetty, Panjim. Phone: 1800-1200444.
Cost: Monday to Thursday: 1,500 rupees and get one time Play Coupon worth 500 rupees. Friday to Sunday: 2,000 rupees and get one time Play Coupon worth 1,000 rupees. Unlimited buffet, and unlimited drinks until midnight, included.
Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Live entertainment nightly from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Dress: Smart casual (no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or flip-flops/chappals).
Types of Games: Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Casino War, 5 Card Poker, Texas Hold'em Poker, Mini flush, Flush, Andar Bahar and Papplu, Rummy, slot machines.