Goa sets new minimum age for casino entry
The new rule applies to designated gambling areas in both onshore and offshore casinos.
India.- The Goa government has set the minimum age for entering casino gambling areas at 21. The measure, introduced via an amendment to the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976, applies to both onshore casinos at five-star hotels and offshore casino vessels operating in the state.
Under Secretary (Home) Manthan Manoj Naik said the amendments formally define restricted gaming zones as separate spaces within licensed casino premises and that no person under the age of 21 will be allowed to enter them. The amendments also introduce an annual penal interest rate of 18 per cent on overdue casino licence fee payments.
In addition, the Goa government has reportedly approved new rules for casino operations, which will establish additional procedures, including visitor record-keeping by the gaming commissioner. These changes have not yet been notified.
Goa is home to India’s largest land-based casino market, with 17 onshore casinos and six offshore casino vessels in operation.
