Goa Increases Casino Licensing Fees By 200%

Pramod Sawant, chief minister of Goa, has announced a significant increase in licensing costs for new casino operators and other changes like higher application charges, annual licence payments and transfer fees.

Sawant presented the state’s 2026 to 2027 budget to the Goa Legislative Assembly on Friday. Speaking to the house members, he said: “The fee for setting up new casinos in the state will be increased by 200% over the current existing fee in this financial year.”  He clarified that the fees only targeted land-based casinos.

Sawant later stated to journalists: “No new offshore casino would be allowed. The number of offshore casinos is fixed at six. The fee increase is only for those who apply to set up new onshore casinos in the state.”

The government also plans to revise licensing rules affecting liquor outlets and restaurants. Under the proposal, permits required to open such businesses would cost 2 million rupees. The transfer of these licences would cost 2.5 million rupees.

Budget Linked To State Development Strategy

Sawant mentioned that the financial plan supports the objectives of “Viksit Goa 2037,” an economic development initiative focused on infrastructure, education, healthcare and sustainable growth across the state.

Goa remains the only jurisdiction in India where casino gambling is permitted, since 1961 when lawmakers liberalised gambling legislation to allow casinos inside hotels and private clubs.

Legislative amendments in the early 1990s permitted offshore casino operations. Currently, Goa hosts 13 casinos, seven on land and six on ships along the Mandovi River in Panaji.

Offshore Casinos Continue To Draw Public Opposition

Floating casinos have raised environmental concerns among Panaji residents. They argue that heavy river traffic linked to casino vessels affects fisheries and alters coastal ecosystems. Religious groups have also raised objections to the presence of gambling facilities in the region.

Government officials have occasionally promised to relocate offshore casinos to alternative waterways. But no attempts have been successful.

The rise in license fees coincides with local opposition against the installation of a 2,000-passenger casino boat to replace a smaller existing ship.

Retired Allahabad Chief Justice, Ferdino Rebello, stated that campaigners for the Enough is Enough movement are preparing legal action. “We are looking at some issues and by next week we will go ahead and file,” he said.

Government Plans New Oversight For Casino Industry

The state government is also examining measures to strengthen gambling sector regulation. Officials recently proposed creating a dedicated commissioner responsible for supervising casino operations across Goa.

The position would grant authority over compliance areas such as player monitoring and anti-money laundering procedures. Regulators believe the role could improve enforcement across both offshore and land based venues.

The proposed commissioner would hold the power to suspend or shut down casinos that violate operating rules.