Top 9 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 of 09

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 2,000 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 of 09

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 of 09

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.

04 of 09

Deltin Caravela

The newly refurbished Caravela is an intimate floatel casino aimed at serious gamblers who want to stay aboard away from the crowd and be pampered. Facilities include luxury accommodations, spa, on-deck Jacuzzi, and fine dining skylight restaurant and bar. The gaming room has 32 tables and 200 gaming positions.

Address: Fisheries Jetty, Fisheries Department Building, (opposite Mandovi Hotel), D. Bandodkar Marg, Panjim. Phone: 98196-98196 (cell).
Cost: Regular all day packages are 1,500 rupees per adult with 500 rupees One Time Play Coupons. Snacks, buffet, house brand alcohol, and entertainment are included.
Types of Games: Texas Hold'em Poker, American Roulette, Indian Flush, Blackjack, Baccarat, 3 Card Poker, 5 Card Poker, Casino War, Mang Patta.

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05 of 09

Deltin Jaqk

Previously called Casino Royale, this floating casino was renamed Deltin Jaqk in August 2013. It has three floors of gaming spread over 12,000 square feet, with 50 tables and 30 slot machines. Perfect for beginners, there's special learners' tables so you can get to know the game before playing. The casino has a bar and restaurant too.

Address: Fisheries Jetty, Panjim. Phone: 98196-98196 (cell).
Entry Fee: Monday to Thursday: 2,500 rupees and get One Time Play Coupons worth 1,500 rupees. Friday to Sunday: 3,500 rupees and get One Time Play Coupons worth 2,000 rupees. Unlimited buffet, and unlimited drinks (house brand) while playing at the gaming tables, included.
Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Live entertainment nightly from 9.p.m. until midnight.
Dress: Smart casual (no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or flip-flops/chappals).
Types of Games: Baccarat, Blackjack, American Roulette, Texas Hold'em Poker, 3 Card Poker, 5 Card Poker, Mini Flush, Casino War, slot machines.

06 of 09

Casino Pride 2

Previously known as Casino Carnival (owned by The Marriott Resort and Spa) and then Casino Pride 2 (owned by the Pride Group), this smaller floating casino now goes by Majestic Pride. It has 27 gaming tables spread over two floors, and a smaller crowd. There's a VIP room for high-rollers, and live entertainment on the main gaming floor and on the open-air deck every night. It's possible to go between Casino Pride and Majestic Pride at no additional cost.

Address: Captain of Ports Jetty, Panjim. Phone: 1800-1200444.
Cost: Monday to Thursday: 1,500 rupees and get One Time Play Coupons worth 500 rupees. Friday to Sunday: 2,000 rupees and get One Time Play Coupons worth 1,000 rupees. Unlimited buffet, and unlimited drinks (house brand) while playing at the gaming tables, 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: American Roulette, Poker, Blackjack, slot machines.

07 of 09

Casino Strike

If you're looking for a land-based casino, lavish Strike at the Grand Hyatt hotel is your best bet (pardon the pun). Launched in August 2016, it's the largest onshore casino in India and is as close as you'll get to live onshore gaming in Goa. This is made possible through a fusion of actual playing cards, manual shuffling and live dealers, and gaming machines. Gaming tables are spread over three floors -- the main floor, VIP floor, and floor for high-rollers. They feature the latest slot machines and games that aren't available in any other casinos in India. Russian dancers are a highlight of the entertainment. There's also a DJ every night. Other facilities include creche for children and Playstation games for teenagers.

Address: Bambolim, North Goa. Phone: (0832) 7122-270.
Cost: Packages start from 2,000 rupees per person from Monday to Thursday, with 2,000 rupees One Time Play Coupons. Buffet dinner, unlimited drinks, and entertainment are included.
Opening Hours: 24 hours.
Dress: Smart casual.
Types of Games: Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, Indian Flush, Andar Bahar, Casino War, slot machines.

08 of 09

Casino Carnival

Casino Carnival, at the recently revamped Marriott Resort and Spa in Panjim, is also a decent onshore casino. It was established in 2001 and is housed in a huge dedicated room in the hotel. There are slot machines, as well as electronic gaming tables for Baccarat, American Roulette and Blackjack.

Address: Miramar, Panjim. Phone: 88888-85314 (cell).
Cost: 1,000 rupees, including 500 rupees worth of chips, and unlimited drinks and snacks while gaming.
Opening Hours: 24 hours.
Dress: Smart casual.
Types of Games: Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, slot machines.

Continue to 9 of 9 below.

09 of 09

Chances Casino and Resort

Chances Casino and Resort is a boutique luxury hotel with 53 rooms, situated in the scenic Vainguinim Valley not far from Panjim. The casino's claim to fame is that it's the oldest onshore one in Goa, and it still has traditional coin slot machines. This casino doesn't get as much attention as the other casinos because of its quieter south Goa location. However, it's well-known among regular gamblers and locals. A free buffet dinner is provided for gamblers. There's also live music every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. Stay and Play packages are available.

Address: 184/189, Machado's Cove, Dona Paula. Phone: (0832) 2456-689.
Entry Fee: 1,000 rupees, including unlimited snacks and drinks while gaming.
Opening Hours: 11 a.m. until 4 a.m.
Dress: Smart casual.
Types of Games: American Roulette, Mini Baccarat, Blackjack, slot machines.