PANAJI
The State government has generated more than Rs 1,749 crores from the casino industry over the past five years, with 23 casino licences including 17 onshore casinos and six offshore casino vessels, issued under the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976.
As per figures tabled in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Home portfolio, said the government had collected Rs 1,749,32,43,907 from casino operations between April 2021 and February 2026 through licence fees and related charges under the Gambling Act.
The revenue rose sharply in the years following the pandemic as collections from the license holders stood at Rs 186.35 crore in 2021-22, climbed to Rs 353.78 crore in 2022-23, and peaked at Rs 603.76 crore in 2023-24. Receipts dipped to Rs 461.71 crore in 2024-25, while Rs 143.70 crore has been collected so far in the current financial year up to February 28.
As per further details, all six offshore casino vessels currently operating in Goan rivers and backwaters have obtained the necessary clearances from the Captain of Ports Department.
“Total six vessels doing casino operation are presently operating in Goan rivers and backwaters, for which NOCs/permissions have been granted by the Captain of Ports Department. No offshore casino vessel is operating without valid permission,” reads the reply to the starred question tabled by MLA Govind Gaude.
Between 2023-24 and the ongoing financial year, the State collected Rs 27.24 crore through vessel-related charges, mooring fees, survey fees and registration charges. Mooring charges formed the largest component, accounting for more than Rs 26.61 crore during this period.
The government said compliance with maritime and environmental regulations is monitored through periodic inspections and certification requirements under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 and other rules.
Authorities verify vessel registration, seaworthiness certificates, passenger capacity limits, firefighting equipment, life-saving appliances and crew certifications.
Casino vessels are also required to follow pollution control norms prescribed by the Goa State Pollution Control Board and maintain approved anchorage and mooring locations to ensure navigational safety.
The government said it retains the authority to initiate action including issuing notices or suspending or cancelling permissions, in the event of violations of licence conditions or statutory provisions.
To another question on pending legal proceedings, violations or non-compliance cases against casino operators with status, the CM replied that one dispute of La Calypso Hotels Private Limited is currently sub-judice before the Administrative Tribunal Panaji.
