Goa is likely to delay its casino regulations until 2027, although the proposal was approved on 3 March 2026. The document remains unpublished in the Official Gazette and therefore does not activate the powers intended to oversee 12 land-based casinos and six offshore casino vessels.
The obstacle stems from Section 17A of the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976. After publication, the regulations must be laid before the Legislative Assembly for at least 14 sitting days. A session could begin on 31 August, but its duration remains undefined, making completion before the February–March 2027 elections unlikely.
Tushar Halarnakar
The proposal originated in 2022, was amended in 2023, prepared by the Home Department and reviewed by the Law Department. Its implementation would turn the Gaming Commissioner into the operational supervisor; the office would issue admission tickets, register visitors, verify spending and sources of funds, control games and documentation, seal gaming areas inside five-star hotels and take offending casino vessels into custody. Home would retain licensing and annual fee collection.
Regulatory responsibility rests with Commissioner of State Tax Sarpreet Singh Gill. Home officials involved include Tushar Halarnakar, Manesh Hari Kedar and Manthan M. Naik. The government is headed by Pramod Sawant, who oversees Home and Finance.
Sarpreet Singh Gill
The delay does not remove measures already in force; casino access is prohibited for anyone under 21, while overdue fees incur 18% annual penal interest. Goa also announced a 200% increase in the fee for new land-based casinos, from INR20 crore to INR60 crore, while maintaining the offshore cap at six licences. Eight operators owed INR314.56 crore.
The outgoing Assembly’s term ends on 14 March 2027. The BJP holds 28 seats and governs with 33 supporters in the 40-seat chamber. Sawant and his cabinet must leave office or receive backing from the next majority. The incoming government remains unknown and may publish, amend or abandon the regulations, while casinos continue operating under the 1976 Act and existing licences.
