Dotting the Mandovi river along Panaji is a sight you cannot miss. Offshore casinos have been one ofthe big draws as far as tourism footfalls in Goa are concerned. Casinos appear to be here to stay in Goa and add an added sense of exotica to the bouquet of experiences a tourist can avail of.
A nightout on an offshore casino boat is now one of the most sought after experiences for tourists, be it stag gamblers or families who are looking for a unique way to spend the night, apart from the regular dinners, beach parties, etc.
To get onto one of the offshore casino boats you have to buy an entry pass from shore offices maintained by the offshore casino companies along the Mandovi river right from the Mermaid garden to the Old Customs house. A pass buys you more than substantial cover in form of casino chips, food, drinks as well as the night's entertainment.
Once you pocket your ticket, you get to hop on to a feeder launch boat, which ferries you to the offshore casino it represents. It's quite a fun experience as the feeder boat cuts through the neon-lit, inky rivers of the Mandovi river towards the anchored offshore casino vessels.
Once there, the outside world fades away and the glitter of the polished brass railings, the whirring of the roulette tables, the soft sound of shuffling cards and the happy cries of lucky gamblers takes over. Those who lose money, tend not to make a sound and slink away silently. Hope you get lucky during your night out there.
