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India’s Casino Count: How Many Casinos Are There and Where to Play

Written by:
Carrie Lonson
Photography:
Freepik

How Many Casino In India

India, with its rich history and cultural diversity, has also become a notable player in the global casino and gaming industry. This sector not only includes several best online casinos but has also significantly contributed to the country's tourism and responsible gaming initiatives. In this guide, we explore how many casino in India, examine how casino tourism is shaping up as an important economic activity, and discuss the efforts towards promoting responsible gaming in this vibrant market.

How Many Casinos in India

India casino scene, though limited geographically, offers a rich and varied gambling experience that attracts both locals and tourists alike. From the bustling floating casinos of Goa to the serene settings of Sikkim and the emerging market in Daman, India presents a unique front within the global gambling industry. Taking into account how many casino in the world, this guide provides an overview of the number of casinos across India, detailing their types and the legal landscape surrounding them.

India's approach to casino gambling is unique due to its regulatory landscape. The availability of casinos is confined to certain states, each with its own rules and offerings. Here’s a closer look:

1. Land-based and floating casinos in Goa

Goa is the epicenter of casino activity in India, with a total of 16 casinos, including both land-based and floating options. The floating casinos, which are a distinctive feature of Goa gambling scene, provide a dynamic gambling environment on the Mandovi River. Some of the most notable floating casinos include Casino Deltin Royale, Casino Deltin JAQK, Casino Pride, and Casino Pride 2. These casinos offer a wide array of games ranging from slots to various card games and roulette, accompanied by live entertainment and gourmet dining.

2. Casinos in Sikkim

Further north, Sikkim hosts three land-based casinos that offer a quieter, more reserved atmosphere compared to Goa lively scene. These establishments focus on providing a resort experience, where gambling is just one of the many leisure activities available.

3. The emerging casino market in Daman

Daman is relatively new to the casino industry with one operational casino and another planned. This area is poised to become a significant player in the Indian casino market, aiming to attract visitors with its blend of modern gaming facilities and hospitality.

4. Online gambling in India

The landscape for online gambling in India is complex due to the absence of federal legislation specifically addressing this segment. However, states like Goa, Daman, and Sikkim have established frameworks that permit online gambling. The legal ambiguity in other states does not necessarily prohibit online gambling, but players often find themselves navigating a gray area, making the reliability and safety of online platforms a concern.

Table: Overview of Casino Options in India

Location

Type of Casino

Number

Notable Casinos

Legal Status 

Goa

Land-based and floating

16 (6 floating)

Casino Deltin Royale, Casino Pride

Permitted

Sikkim

Land-based

3

Casino Sikkim

Permitted

Daman

Land-based

1 (1 planned)

The Deltin Daman

Permitted

Overall, there are approximately 15-20 casinos operating in India, with Goa being the most prominent destination for casino tourism.

Casino Tourism in India

After exploring how many casino it is necessary to note that casino tourism in India is experiencing a significant upsurge, with projections indicating a robust annual growth rate of 14.2% from 2024 to 2034. The allure of vibrant gaming floors and the promise of luxury experiences are drawing more tourists to Indian shores each year. By the end of this forecast period, the industry value is anticipated to reach an impressive USD 27,511.8 million.

Several factors are contributing to the growth of casino tourism in India. The integration of casinos with luxury resorts offers a compelling blend of leisure and entertainment, appealing to both domestic and international tourists. Additionally, regulatory advancements and governmental support in certain regions have bolstered the industry expansion.

Key destinations:

1. Goa is at the forefront of Indian casino tourism. With its sandy beaches and relaxed laws regarding casino operations, Goa offers a unique blend of natural beauty and thrilling gaming experiences. The state is home to both onshore and offshore casinos, providing a variety of gaming options to visitors.

2. Daman is gaining recognition as a potential hub for casino investments. With new properties being developed, Daman is poised to become a significant player in the casino tourism sector. The region's proximity to major cities like Mumbai adds to its appeal as a convenient getaway for weekend gamblers.

The market trends in casino tourism in India reflect a broader shift towards integrated resorts that offer a suite of amenities including spas, high-end restaurants, and entertainment shows, in addition to casinos. This model not only enhances the visitor experience but also boosts local economies by creating jobs and generating significant revenue in taxes and tourism.

The economic ramifications of the burgeoning casino tourism industry are profound. Regions hosting casinos have observed a spike in employment opportunities and an increase in ancillary industries such as hospitality and retail. Furthermore, the influx of tourists contributes to the local economy through spending on accommodations, food, and other tourist activities.

Table: Key Statistics of Casino Tourism in India (2024-2034)

Year

Projected Industry Value (USD million)

Annual Growth Rate

2024

10,000

14.2%

2025

11,428

14.2%

2026

13,051

14.2%

2027

14,892

14.2%

2028

17,009

14.2%

2029

19,437

14.2%

2030

22,220

14.2%

Despite its rapid growth, the casino tourism sector in India faces several challenges. Regulatory inconsistencies across different states can pose difficulties for operators and investors. Additionally, the social implications of gambling and the risk of increased gambling addiction remain concerns that require careful management and responsible governance.

Responsible Gaming in India

As the Indian casino industry flourishes, the focus on responsible gaming has become paramount. Ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming environment for visitors is the core of the responsible gaming initiatives undertaken by Indian casinos. These measures include extensive employee training, options for self-exclusion, and restrictions on ATM access within gaming areas. This guide delves into the multifaceted approach India is taking towards responsible gaming.

Responsible gaming is a set of policies and practices designed to prevent and reduce potential harms associated with gambling. These practices are essential in promoting fairness and ensuring that gaming remains a source of entertainment without negative consequences for individuals and society.

Key components of responsible gaming in Indian casinos:

1. The investment in employee training is a cornerstone of the responsible gaming framework in Indian casinos. This training involves teaching staff how to identify the early signs of problem gambling, such as aggressive wagering, chasing losses, or showing signs of distress while gambling. These skills enable employees to intervene in situations where a guest may need help. Workshops and training sessions are regularly updated to keep pace with the latest methods in responsible gambling practices. The goal is to ensure that every staff member, from security personnel to floor managers, is capable of handling sensitive situations with the discretion and effectiveness needed to support patrons' well-being.

2. Self-exclusion programs are designed to serve as a proactive tool for individuals who recognize that they might be developing a gambling problem. By allowing guests to voluntarily exclude themselves from casino activities, these programs provide a structured path to help individuals regain control over their gambling behaviors. The process typically involves filling out a form and specifying the duration of exclusion, which can range from a few months to several years. Casinos enforce this exclusion by preventing the individual from logging into their gaming accounts and physically entering casino premises. This break can be crucial in helping individuals reassess their gambling habits and potentially seek further assistance if needed.

3. Limiting the availability of ATMs in and around casino floors is a strategic measure implemented to curb excessive gambling. This policy is based on the understanding that easier access to additional funds can lead to impulsive betting and the escalation of gambling stakes beyond what individuals can afford. By placing restrictions on ATM access, casinos create a physical and psychological barrier that encourages patrons to think twice before withdrawing more money. This measure not only aids in maintaining financial discipline among visitors but also aligns with broader financial well-being objectives by minimizing the risk of significant financial losses due to impulsive gambling decisions.

The implementation of responsible gaming practices brings numerous benefits:

   - Responsible gaming practices promote moderation by setting limits on the amount and frequency of bets, which can be crucial in preventing the onset of gambling addiction. These limits help individuals maintain control over their gambling activities and encourage them to gamble only within their means. Educational programs and resources about the risks of gambling, often part of these practices, also play a critical role in informing and protecting casino patrons. By fostering a culture of responsible gambling, these measures aim to reduce the likelihood of addiction, thereby supporting the mental health and financial stability of individuals.

   - A key aspect of responsible gaming is ensuring that only eligible individuals—those of legal age – are allowed to participate in gambling. This is crucial in protecting minors from the risks associated with early exposure to gambling, which can include the development of problematic behaviors later in life. Casinos implement strict age verification processes and entry checks to enforce these age restrictions effectively. By keeping minors out of gambling environments, these policies help safeguard the developmental well-being of young people, ensuring that their exposure to high-risk activities is minimized.

   - Responsible gaming measures contribute to a safer and more controlled gaming environment, which significantly enhances the overall experience for guests. With rules and supports in place to prevent excessive gambling, patrons can enjoy their visit without the undue stress of navigating uncontrolled betting scenarios. This controlled environment also reduces the instances of disputes and confrontations among patrons, leading to a more pleasant and welcoming atmosphere within the casino. Ultimately, these measures ensure that guests leave with positive memories, encouraging repeat visits and fostering a sustainable customer base.

   - The broader community benefits greatly from the implementation of responsible gaming measures. With reduced incidences of gambling problems, there are fewer social issues such as financial distress, family breakdown, and mental health problems related to gambling. This leads to a reduction in the demand for social services and law enforcement interventions, which can be heavily taxed by the consequences of uncontrolled gambling activities. Additionally, community relations improve when casinos are seen as responsible members of the community, committed to protecting their patrons and contributing to the overall social good.

Table: Overview of Responsible Gaming Measures in Indian Casinos

Measure

Description

Objective

Employee training

Training programs for casino staff on responsible gambling

To identify and mitigate problem gambling signs

Self-exclusion

Programs allowing individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves

To provide a break for at-risk individuals

ATM access restrictions

Limits on ATM usage in gambling areas

To control over-spending during casino visits

While implementing responsible gaming measures, casinos face several challenges:

   - Gambling is often stigmatized in many parts of India, making it difficult to discuss and address gambling problems openly.

   - Different states in India have varying regulations, which can complicate the uniform application of responsible gaming practices.

To overcome these challenges, continuous dialogue with stakeholders, standardized policies across states, and public awareness campaigns about responsible gaming is essential.

Note: The number of casino games in India varies depending on the source and the type of casinos considered. 

Conclusion

Knowing how many casino games are there it is important to note that the casino industry in India is a burgeoning sector that offers significant economic benefits and challenges. While the exact number of casinos continues to evolve, the impact of these establishments on tourism and local economies is unmistakably positive. However, the rise of casino tourism also brings to the fore the need for robust responsible gaming measures. By continuing to promote safe gambling practices, India can ensure that its gaming industry grows sustainably and remains an asset rather than a liability.


By Liliana Alvarez

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