The Goa government has proposed a 200% increase in fees for establishing new casinos in the state, according to its latest budget presentation to the Goa Legislative Assembly.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant outlined the measure while presenting the State Budget.
Sawant stated: “The fee for establishing new casinos in the State will be increased by 200% over the existing fee from this year onwards.”
The proposal follows mounting public opposition to the reported entry of a larger offshore casino vessel on the Mandovi River in Panaji.
The vessel is understood to be intended as a replacement for an existing offshore casino ship currently operating on the river.
Residents and civil society groups in Panaji have raised concerns over the scale of the proposed vessel, which has been described as capable of accommodating up to 2,000 passengers.
Opponents argue the development could increase ecological strain on the river and intensify tourism-related pressures in surrounding areas.
Goa hosts both offshore casino vessels and land-based casino operations, with the Mandovi River remaining central to offshore gaming activity in the state.
The latest budget proposal signals the government’s intent to adjust the cost structure for new market entrants as debates continue over the environmental and social impact of expanded casino operations.
The government has not provided further detail on how the revised fee structure would apply across offshore and onshore licences, or whether additional regulatory measures would accompany the change.
Earlier this month, the Goa Government approved draft Public Gambling Rules aimed at tightening oversight of casino operations, including expanded powers for the gaming commissioner and new requirements for visitor tracking and enforcement action.
Goa currently hosts around twelve land-based casinos and six offshore vessels
