Pending Regulations Leave Goa's Casino Industry in Limbo

The Goa Public Gambling Act regulates onshore and offshore casinos in Goa. Despite the appointment of a Gaming Commissioner, the rules to govern these establishments are still not finalized, leading to operations being conducted under existing and amended legal provisions since the 1990s.

Goa's casino industry, encompassing both onshore and offshore operations, remains in regulatory uncertainty as the Goa Public Gambling Act rules are still awaiting vetting by the state's law department. Although a Gaming Commissioner was appointed in January 2020, actual governance still relies on existing legal provisions since 1976, with gradual amendments.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, addressing inquiries in the assembly, confirmed that the casinos are currently regulated under the original Act. The absence of finalized rules has led to continued operations based on a combination of old and adjusted laws, ensuring adherence to the government's terms and conditions set in 1995.

Sawant outlined that despite the interim regulatory framework, the state continues to clamp down on illegal activities. Six casinos hold valid licenses for live gaming, with enforcement actions leading to five cases against illegal operations between 2022 and 2025.

(With inputs from agencies.)