Gambling Laws in Goa
Do u know there are only 2 states and one UT out of a total of 29 states that have formulated their laws and took the initiative to make gambling completely legal? They are Goa, Sikkim, and Daman.
Gambling in Goa is the major source of income for the state. It’s the official Vegas of India. Goa is among the few states that have legalized casinos. You can play all the casino games officially without the fear of being jailed or fined. According to some internet sources, gambling alone contributed 135 crores to the state revenue in 2013.
Except for organized betting, all the gambling activities like lotteries, horse racing, and other casino games are all legal. So enjoy!
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Why it is legal to play in Goa?
Goa is the smallest state of India located near the sea. As per the Public gaming act of India, 1867 all the land-based casinos are illegal, so the casino owners came up with the new idea to shift their base to sea/ Rivers. The first sea-based casino established in Goa was in the year 1999.
You’ll found many floating casinos in Goa as they do not violate the gambling law of India. Unfortunately, it is still illegal to play at online casinos in Goa. Many of the Indian gambling sites are prohibited. Since 2003, a new law has been imposed in Goa that if anyone found gambling online in any of Indian sites is subject to deposit a fine of 90,000 per day. But yes, you can definitely register on the foreign casino sites to play casino games, participate in sports betting, and so on.
Casinos in Goa
The state has 10 legal casinos that entertain around 15000 players every day. You’ll find six land-based casinos and four floating casinos is Goa managed by deltin group and pride group.
- Casino Deltin Royal
- Casino Deltin Jaqk
- Casino Pride
- Casino Pride 2
Betting in Goa
Betting was a major issue in the ’90s as almost everything was illegal. Players had to go to Nepal to participate in sports betting. Also, tourism is a huge source of revenue for the state. In 1992, the Goa government started releasing casino licenses to 5-star hotels to attract more customers not just from India but also from outside the country.
Talking about the current scenario, all the players above 18 years of age are allowed to place bets. Plus the gateways of foreign casino sites are always open for punters at different locations of the world.
The Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976
According to this act, casino licenses will be issued only to five-star hotels or offshore vessels with prior permission from the state government. if any casino owner is found misusing the
Casino License for other illegal activities or businesses, the government has the right to cancel the license permanently. let’s readout!
- Gaming includes wagering and betting only; in case if gaming instruments are found in gaming houses for profit/loss; it’s a punishable act.
- It also includes punishment for keeping/owning common gaming houses.
- Punishment for playing in common gaming houses.
- Police have the power to enter any time and search for any suspicious activity undergoing.
- It’s a crime to use a fake identity and address.
- Police have the power to arrest without warrant for setting birds and animals in the street fight act.
- For the first offense, the minimum fine is INR 1000/- and imprisonment of at least 10 days.
- For the second offense, the minimum fine is 2000/- and imprisonment of 20 days.
- For the third or subsequent offense, the minimum fine is 3000/- and imprisonment of 30 days.
Payment Methods
The most difficult task for Indian punters is depositing money to online bookies. It’s not easy to rely on foreign casino sites to make online transactions. Many players just don’t participate with the fear of losing their money. But thanks to the internet as many tech-savvy users have started using e-wallets to avoid money transfer charges by foreign exchange law (F.E.M.A). The most convenient methods are:
Conclusion
Gambling is a state subject and states are independent to formulate laws as per convenience. Land-based casino culture started in India from the mini-state Goa. As, this state is situated near to the sea. So without violating the Indian gambling laws, casino owners made a shift to this state. Moving to the end, we’ll say no doubt most of the gambling games are made legal in Goa. But still, Goa is a famous hub for underground gambling activities. You’d found several illegal casinos in Goa. So we suggest you beware of such rigged casinos to avoid getting into any legal conflicts. All the best!