With three new licences, total number of land casinos now at 15
Panaji : Reflecting the importance of casinos to the state coffers, the government earned Rs 606 crore in revenue from the industry in 2023-24, a jump of 70 per cent over the previous year. In 2022-23, revenue from casinos stood at Rs 353.8 crore.
For the ongoing financial year, the revenue collected until January 15 is Rs 125 crore, it was revealed in the assembly on Friday. The government said that revenue from casinos is by way of licence renewal fees, security deposit and the annual recurring fee (ARF).
While the licence fee and the security deposit at Rs 1 crore and Rs 25 lakh respectively is the same for offshore and onshore casinos, the ARF depends on the vessel carrying capacity for floating casinos and the gaming area for onshore casinos.
Of the six floating casinos, the ARF for Casino Royal Flotel is Rs 27.5 crore, while the other five floating casinos Lucky Seven, Horseshoe Casino, Casino Royal, Majestic Pride and Pride of Goa pay ARF of Rs 33 crore each.
The highest ARF of Rs 35.2 crore is paid by the land casino at Hotel Double Tree Hilton, Chimbel, said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who holds the home portfolio. The number of land casinos has increased in the state with the three new licences issued. Presently there are 15 land casinos, up from 12 in 2023.
The government admitted that parking of vehicles near the offices of offshore casinos by its employees and customers causes traffic congestion near the Captain of Ports.
“Action is being initiated against all vehicles that are violating traffic rules on D B Marg,” said Sawant, replying to a question raised by St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar on vehicular congestion caused by offshore casino operators. Total 449 cases of traffic violations were booked near COP in 2024, as compared to 1,056 cases in the previous year, he said. Going by the information divulged in the assembly, traffic violation cases have been coming down near the COP during casino hours.
In December 2024, floating casinos were granted permission to continue operating in the River Mandovi, till March 2027.
