Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The state government has generated more than ₹1,749 crore in revenue from the casino sector over the past five years through licence fees and other charges under the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976.
Providing details in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who also holds the Home portfolio, stated that the government collected ₹1,749,32,43,907 from casino operations between April 2021 and February 2026.
The figures show a steady rise in revenue following the pandemic years. Collections from casino licence holders were ₹186.35 crore in 2021–22 and increased to ₹353.78 crore in 2022–23. The revenue reached its highest level of ₹603.76 crore in 2023–24 before declining to ₹461.71 crore in 2024–25. In the ongoing financial year 2025–26, the government has so far received ₹143.70 crore up to February 28.
According to the information presented in the House, the state has issued 23 casino licences under the Act, which include 17 onshore casinos and six offshore casino vessels.
Responding to a starred so question raised by MLA Govind Gaude, the government said that all six offshore casino vessels currently operating in the state’s rivers and backwaters have obtained the required permissions from the Captain of Ports Department. It also clarified that no offshore casino vessel is operating without valid approvals.
Between the financial year 2023–24 and the current year, the state collected ₹27.24 crore through vessel-related charges such as mooring fees, survey fees and registration charges. Of this amount, mooring fees alone contributed more than ₹26.61 crore.
The government also said that casino vessels are subject to regular inspections and must comply with maritime and environmental regulations under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021 and other applicable rules. Authorities examine vessel registration documents, seaworthiness certificates, passenger capacity limits, safety equipment such as firefighting systems and life-saving devices, as well as crew certifications.
Additionally, operators must adhere to pollution control guidelines set by the Goa State Pollution Control Board and ensure that vessels remain anchored and moored only at approved locations to maintain navigational safety.
The government further stated that it retains the power to take action against operators in case of violations, including issuing notices or suspending and cancelling permissions if licence conditions or legal provisions are breached.
