Goa approved a new 112-meter offshore casino vessel operated by Delta Corp Ltd, reinforcing a sector modernization strategy within a strictly capped market. The approval was confirmed by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in April 2026 and is structured as the replacement of an existing floating unit on the Mandovi River, without increasing the total number of offshore licenses, fixed at six.
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The legal framework remains anchored in the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976, in force, which allows casino operations on offshore vessels through specific authorizations from the Government of Goa. In 2026, the state strengthened oversight with the new Goa Public Gambling Rules 2026, introducing the Gaming Commissioner with powers to audit, sanction and shut down operations, with fines of up to US$90,000 for non-compliance.
Delta Corp, the country’s largest operator, confirmed an investment of approximately US$54 million in the new vessel, designed to increase its total capacity to around 4,000 gaming positions, from about 2,000 currently. The company, led by Jaydev Mody and Ashish Kapadia, generates more than 92% of its revenue from casino operations and reported net revenue of US$87 million in fiscal year 2024–25.
Jaydev Mody
Goa’s market, the core of India’s land-based gaming industry, generated US$210 million in tax revenue over the past five years, according to data presented in the state Assembly. At the same time, the Government of Goa increased fees for new onshore licenses by up to 200% in 2026 and adjusted annual costs, strengthening the sector’s fiscal contribution.
State policy keeps the number of offshore casinos capped, positioning this move as a shift toward higher quality, operational efficiency and increased visitor spending. With sustained tourism in the state and consolidated demand, the fleet upgrade is expected to drive revenue across gaming, hospitality and entertainment, within a tighter regulatory environment and rising tax pressure.
