An offshore casino in Goa that recently deployed in River Mandovi in controversial circumstances has announced an 11-day “Opening Extravaganza” from 9 to 19 May 2019.
Big Daddy Casino, a specially commissioned 72-meter long, 24-meter wide vessel operated by Golden Globe Hotels Private Limited, describes itself as “the biggest and most modern offshore gaming destination in Asia”.
The casino itself covers 50,000 square feet over three decks and boasts 110 gaming tables, including blackjack, roulette, Indian Flush and various variants of poker.
Launched in March, Big Daddy Casino is now moored five minutes away from the embarkation point at the Captain of Ports Jetty in the Mandovi River with guests accessing the vessel via several feeder boats.
However, its presence in the Mandovi has caused a stir in Goa.
Golden Globe is owned by Haryana politician Gopal Kanda, whose original MV Lucky Seven vessel ran aground in July 2017. Lucky Seven was later found unsuitable for operations, forcing Golden Globe to lease a vessel called MV San Domino which had previously been sitting dormant in the Mandovi River.
Big Daddy Casino has now replaced MV San Domino despite ongoing questions over whether it is or should be legally allowed to operate in Goa.
The new ship was built in 1995, with the operators stating that it “also houses a multi-cuisine lavish restaurant offering the best of local and global cuisines, a bar, a live barbecue area on the topmost deck, a sundeck and a variety of entertainment programmes including national and international acts to cater to its visitors.”