Indians by tradition are a gambling nation since time immemorial, its national epics and mythology stand testimony to innumerable instances of heroes and villains settling scores over a hand of “Aksha” or “Pasha”. The gambling instruments were even worshipped as a lesser god. But since the British colonialism it has been outlawed in this country as it is believed to be an addiction which opens the doors to hell. This has led Indians to flock to the neighboring country of Nepal which has legal casinos.
But now the Goa government has woken up to the possibilities of the gaming tourism and provided license to several offshore casinos on barges and at least one Goa five star hotel the Leela Palace Kempinski Goa has a gaming club for its patrons aptly named the Las Vegas.
MS Caravela is a cruise ship in Panjim, Goa and is open every day 5:30pm to 6am. The cruise ship's gaming arena carries eight gaming machines and twelve table games. There are four tables of American Roulette and Blackjack each and 2 tables each of Pontoon and Stud Poker. The betting limits are INR 100.00 to INR 10,000.00; which is apparently an attempt to discourage casual punters and welcome foreign high-rollers. Rummy, which locally goes by the name of Paplu, is also played here. The eight electronic slot machines also allow a lot of gaming excitement. Cover charges are steep at Rs. 1,600 for the morning sightseeing trip (10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.), Rs. 3,000 for the sunset cruise (5.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.), and Rs. 4,000 for the dinner hangout (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) but as always a rare experience comes at a pinch to the pocket. However most gamblers in India wouldn’t even feel the bite due to their deep pockets.
But now the Goa government has woken up to the possibilities of the gaming tourism and provided license to several offshore casinos on barges and at least one Goa five star hotel the Leela Palace Kempinski Goa has a gaming club for its patrons aptly named the Las Vegas.
MS Caravela is a cruise ship in Panjim, Goa and is open every day 5:30pm to 6am. The cruise ship's gaming arena carries eight gaming machines and twelve table games. There are four tables of American Roulette and Blackjack each and 2 tables each of Pontoon and Stud Poker. The betting limits are INR 100.00 to INR 10,000.00; which is apparently an attempt to discourage casual punters and welcome foreign high-rollers. Rummy, which locally goes by the name of Paplu, is also played here. The eight electronic slot machines also allow a lot of gaming excitement. Cover charges are steep at Rs. 1,600 for the morning sightseeing trip (10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.), Rs. 3,000 for the sunset cruise (5.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.), and Rs. 4,000 for the dinner hangout (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) but as always a rare experience comes at a pinch to the pocket. However most gamblers in India wouldn’t even feel the bite due to their deep pockets.
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