If you’re travelling to India any time soon, there are a number of things you should be planning to do. Exploring the Taj Mahal, indulging in the local cuisine, and visiting the stunning ancient temples – all three of these activities are right up there on everyone’s Indian bucket list. But for gaming lovers, there is another activity that you might want to squeeze onto that list.
Casinos. Over the last few decades, some of the most decadent casinos in the world have sprung up in several Indian states, making it one of the most luxurious and vibrant countries in the world for entertainment. We’re going to give you a full guide to the casinos of India below, but before we do so, let’s first take a look at how the country got to this position, and which states you can find these venues.
Legalised Gambling in India
Despite having some of the most impressive land-based casino venues, India does not actually have a nationwide law legalising gambling. The regulation of gambling, including casinos, is primarily governed by individual states under the Public Gambling Act of 1867, with only a select number of states having made exceptions.
These states include Goa, which offers both onshore and offshore venues; Sikkim, which is known for its Himalayan setting; and Daman and Diu, which is the latest state to permit casinos. If you’re not planning on visiting land-based casinos in India, there are still online casinos you can play, but for that, you’ll need an online casino guide for Indian players, which will point you in the direction of the best and most reputable platforms.
The Best Casinos in Goa
So let’s start with Goa. One of the most famous destinations in this state has to be the Deltin Royale, which is located on a floating vessel on the Mandovi River in Panaji. Renowned as India’s largest and most luxurious casino, this venue is spread across an enormous 40,000 square feet, boasting elegant interiors, and a grand and sophisticated gaming area for its guests.
It features 123 gaming tables, offering popular games like poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, and it even has an exclusive poker room – a dedicated poker room for professional players. Inspired by the famous Caesars in Las Vegas, the casino also offers a variety of live performances, including music and stand-up comedy, as well as a gourmet dining experience with an extensive buffet.
Another popular floating casino on the Mandovi River is Casino Pride, which was built back in 2008. Unlike Deltin Royale, this casino radiates a more affordable luxury, maintaining a high standard of service while being a budget-friendly option compared to its rivals. It has a wide range of live gaming tables, including tables for some Indian favourites like Teen Patti and Andar Bahar, and its entertainment zones are perfect for those looking to take a break from the tables and enjoy some live performances.
One last casino to note in Goa is Deltin Jaqk, which is a more compact and casual sibling of Deltin Royale. Also located on the serene waters of the Mandovi River, this casino offers a far more intimate and relaxed gaming experience, which is particularly appealing to travellers who prefer something a little more low-key. It still has extensive gaming options – 350 games strong – and its all-inclusive packages include unlimited food and drinks, which is great if you’re a little more budget-conscious.
The Best Casinos in Sikkim
As mentioned previously, Sikkim is an Indian state nestled right in the heart of the Himalayas, which is part of the reason why the casinos have gained so much popularity. Due to their fantastic views and gorgeous setting, thousands of travellers visit these casinos every year, with one of the most popular being Casino Mahjong.
Located in Gangtok, this is perhaps the most famous and luxurious casino in the state, known for its variety of table games and abundance of slot machines. With modern interiors and state-of-the-art facilities, visiting here means you’ll be getting a truly high-end experience, complete with a range of fine dining options and excellent customer service.
Another casino to visit is Sikkim State Casino, which is situated in one of Sikkim’s most scenic spots, Pelling. With breathtaking views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga mountains, it might be hard to pay attention to the roll of the dice or the cards in your opponent’s hand, so you might want to bet small amounts that you’re comfortable with losing! But despite its location, which makes it a little more risky for players, it’s still a great casino with a quiet, more laid-back atmosphere, and it’s well worth a visit.
One last casino to mention has to be The Golden Casino, which is located in Namchi. It might be one of the newer additions to Sikkim’s casino scene, but The Golden Casino has certainly established itself quickly, already known as one of the most modern facilities in the region. With a good selection of slot machines, as well as traditional games like poker and blackjack, it’s a good option for any travellers wanting a simple yet elegant casino experience, perhaps a little less crowded than the two casinos mentioned above.
The Situation in Daman and Diu
We mentioned before that Daman and Diu is another state that has legalised casinos, but while casinos are permitted under the law, the region does not currently have any operational. That being said, this might change if you’re planning on travelling to India late in 2025 or beyond.
With Daman and Diu known for its serene beaches and Portuguese heritage, there is a coastal establishment called The Deltin, which includes luxurious and scenic casinos that might soon be operational – the property is waiting to receive the necessary approvals to start operations. So if you’re thinking of travelling to Daman and Diu, and you’d like to visit one of India’s opulent casinos, it will be worth researching online later next year whether those approvals have been given and the casinos are in full swing.
Other Casinos of Note in Goa
Above are some of the best casinos in India, but there are many more to touch upon. In Goa, for instance, you can also visit:
- Casino Paradise
Located in the Neo Majestic Hotel in Panjim, Casino Paradise is one of Goa’s largest land-based casinos, known primarily for its modern gaming equipment, including digital roulette and high-tech slots.
- Casino Palms
Located at the La Calypso Hotel on Baga Beach, this is a laid-back, compact casino that thrives mainly on its scenic surroundings.
- Big Daddy Casino
Also located in Panjim – one of Goa’s newer floating casinos – Big Daddy is a luxurious and welcoming casino that features a range of live table games, including tables for baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and Texas Hold’em poker.
- Casino Carnival
Situated at the Marriot Resort & Spa in Panjim, Casino Carnival offers a mix of gaming and entertainment, making it a great option if you’re looking for that Vegas experience.
- Crown Casino
While smaller and more intimate than some of the casinos mentioned above, Crown Casino is a quaint and affordable casino with some stunning panoramic views of the Mandovi River. A great option if you’re looking for more affordable entry fees.
Other Casinos of Note in Sikkim
Sikkim has a relatively limited number of operational casinos compared to Goa, but there are still a couple more to touch upon if the above options aren’t calling out to you. These include:
- Big Bull Casino
A fantastic venue located within the Orange Village Resort, the Big Bull Casino is Sikkim’s largest casino and entertainment centre, spanning over 40,000 square feet across four floors. For those who prefer a bit of variety, it offers a wide range of gaming options, including all the most popular table games – in India and around the world – and dozens of slot machines.
- Casino Golden
Located within the Ramada by Wyndham Hotel, Casino Golden offers a premium gaming experience with 32 gaming tables and VIP options for professionals. It’s known for its elegant ambience and high-quality service, but it is a little more expensive than its counterparts in the region, so you’ll have to be prepared for that if you’re thinking of taking a visit.
Conclusion
So there we have it – our comprehensive guide to the casinos of India. But before you go to check them out, there are a few things you need to be aware of. Once again, it’s important to remember that legal regulations vary by state, which means not all states in India allow casino gaming. With this in mind, always ensure you understand the local laws before planning your visit, and only visit fully regulated casinos such as the ones we’ve mentioned.
Most casinos in India also charge an entry fee, which often includes complimentary chips or meals, and in some cases, you’ll be required to follow a set dress code, so make sure you check ahead to avoid any surprises. In terms of the gaming experience itself, it’s essential to gamble responsibly, especially when you’re travelling. Make sure you set a budget for your visit and stick to it. Don’t let yourself be caught into big-money games if you’re unfamiliar with them, and ensure you understand the rules of each game completely before playing. If you keep all that in mind, you’re sure to have a great experience!
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