Goa to Get India's 2nd Floating Casino
24 May 2006
MUMBAI, India -- As reported by the (Indian) Financial Express: "Hospitality major Hotel Leelaventure Ltd is launching India's second floating casino in Goa. Current government guidelines do not allow casinos on land. Hence, the idea for a casino at sea.
"...'The boat will be stationary at a particular area on the water and at the required distance from the shore as per the rules laid down by law,' Hotel Leelaventure vice chairman and MD Vivek Nair told FE.
"...The company is in the process of evaluating various international casino operators who have a presence in Nepal, Europe and US. The company will select one operator to manage and run the casino..."
06-Sep-2006, 06:03
In India, the Goa government has decided to allow the establishment of 10 off-shore casinos in the state. This decision comes in the wake of interest exhitbited by many companies which have applied to the state government seeking license for starting off shore casinos in Goa.
“We have received applications from many companies wanting to start off shore casinos in Goa, but we’ve decided to limit the number to a maximum of 10 off shore casinos,” said Dilraj Kaur, special secretary for home, government of Goa.
This move is expected to bring in more “up segment” high spending tourists to Goa, thereby generating more revenue to the state. At present, Goa has the countries only off shore licensed casino, MV Caravela, which is anchored on Mandovi River along the capital Panaji.
Owned by Advani Pleasure Cruise, MV Caravela pays approximately Rs 5 lakh annually as license fee.
As per the Goa Official Gambling Act, a company wishing to start off shore casinos in the state must first purchase a ship besides procuring requisite permission certificates from the director general of shipping before applying to the state government for license for the same.
Many companies are in the process of procuring these required documents. Meanwhile, the issue has already started debates in Goa with the main opposition BJP condemning the government’s initiative stating it would bring to Goa gambling and prostitution-centric tourists.
