In India, land-based casinos are subject to strict regulations and are only permitted in specific states. Goa and Sikkim are the primary states where land casinos are legally allowed to operate. The Public Gambling Act of 1867 generally prohibits gambling houses, but state governments have the authority to make exceptions.
Goa was the first state to legalize casinos in the 1990s, allowing both onshore and offshore casino operations. Currently, there are several luxury casino resorts operating in Goa, mainly in Panaji and on Mandovi River. These establishments offer various games including roulette, blackjack, and slot machines.
Sikkim legalized casinos in 2005 through the Sikkim Casino Games Rules. However, the state currently has only one operational land-based casino located in Gangtok. The casino industry in Sikkim has seen slower growth compared to Goa due to various regulatory and geographical constraints.
Other states like Daman and Diu also have some casino operations, but on a much smaller scale. Most Indian states maintain a complete ban on land-based casinos due to social and cultural considerations. The legal gambling age for casinos in India is typically 21 years, and operators must obtain proper licenses from state authorities. |
