The Indian state of Goa will increase the fee for establishing new land-based casinos by 200% while capping the number of offshore casinos at its current number of six under its latest budget.
According to a report by local media outlet The Indian Express, the heightened casino fee was one of the core tenants of the 2025-26 budget, presented by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday.
“The fee for setting up new casinos in the state will be increased by 200% over the current existing fee in this financial year,” Sawant stated, referencing the current Rs20 crore (US$2.2 million) fee.
“No new offshore casino would be allowed. The number of offshore casinos is fixed at six. The fee increase is only for those who apply to set up new onshore casinos in the state,” he said.
Sawant added that the total budget size is Rs 30,195 crore (US$3.27 billion) with a revenue surplus of Rs 1,666 crore (US$180 million) expected.
The new casino fee comes after Goa earlier this month approved the Goa Public Gambling Rules under which a gaming commissioner will be granted extensive powers to oversee the Indian state’s onshore and offshore casinos.
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