While PROGA has banned online real-money gaming across India, there are two states where casino gaming remains entirely legal and accessible: Goa and Sikkim. Both operate under pre-existing state licensing regimes that were not overridden by the national law, making them India's premier destinations for legal casino entertainment.
Goa: India's Casino Capital
Goa is home to India's most developed casino industry, with both offshore floating casinos on the Mandovi River and land-based casino floors inside five-star hotels. The Goa Casinos Act regulates all casino activity in the state, with licences issued by the state government for specific hotel categories.
The biggest floating casinos — including Deltin Royale, Deltin Jaqk, and Casino Pride — operate from luxury vessels anchored on the Mandovi River and are accessible to Indian and foreign visitors aged 18 and above. These casinos offer a full range of games including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, and slot machines.
In Goa's five-star hotels, smaller casino floors operate under separate land-based licences. The annual licence fee for these venues ranges from INR 11 crore to INR 44 crore, ensuring that only well-capitalised operators can participate in the market.
Sikkim: Online and Land-Based Gaming Under State Rules
Sikkim is unique among Indian states in having both land-based casino licences and a state-level online gaming framework. Under the Sikkim Casino Games (Control and Tax) Act, the state regulates casino operations within five-star hotels, offering games including roulette, baccarat, blackjack, poker, and keno.
Sikkim also permits online casino gaming — but only when the platform is geo-restricted to players physically located within Sikkim. This means Sikkim's online gaming regime does not provide a legal route for players elsewhere in India to access casino games online.
Planning a Casino Visit
For Indian players looking for a fully legal and regulated casino experience, Goa remains the most accessible destination. Entry to most floating casinos is free or comes with a set credit for gaming, and the venues offer full dining and entertainment facilities alongside casino gaming.