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Offshore vs Onshore Casinos in Goa: What’s the Difference? | Phoenix Casino Goa

November 3, 2025 By Marketing Team

Offshore vs Onshore Casinos in Goa: What’s the Difference?

When you think about casinos in Goa, the image that probably comes to mind is glamorous floating vessels anchored on the Mandovi River. But that’s only half the story. Goa’s casino scene is actually split into two distinct categories: offshore (floating) casinos and onshore (land-based) casinos. While both offer exciting gaming experiences, they operate under different rules, feature different types of games, and provide completely different atmospheres. As of 2025, Goa hosts 13 officially licensed casino, 6 offshore vessels and 7 onshore establishments. Understanding the differences between these two types can help you choose the perfect gaming experience for your next Goa visit. The Legal Framework Behind Goa’s Dual Casino System Goa stands out as one of only few Indian states where casinos are legally permitted.

The law makes a clear distinction between the two types of casinos. Offshore casinos are permitted to operate on vessels anchored in designated areas of the Mandovi River in Panaji, while onshore casinos can only function within five-star hotels and luxury resorts. This legal separation isn’t just administrative, it fundamentally shapes what each type of casino can offer. In August 2025, the Goa government introduced new draft rules giving the gaming commissioner enhanced powers to monitor casino operations, issue entry tickets, and track visitor records . Additionally, all offshore casino licenses were extended until March 31, 2027, providing stability to the industry while regulators work on long-term policies.

Offshore Casinos: The Floating Entertainment Hubs

Offshore casinos are perhaps Goa’s most iconic gaming destinations. These massive vessels are permanently anchored at specific mooring points along the Mandovi River in Panaji, creating what locals call a “floating casino corridor”.

What Makes Them Special: The biggest advantage of offshore casinos is that they’re legally permitted to host live table games. This means you can enjoy authentic casino experiences with real dealers at games like poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. The atmosphere on these floating venues tends to be more glamorous and grand, with many casinos featuring multiple decks, VIP gaming zones, rooftop sundecks, and full-scale entertainment options. Major offshore players include Deltin Royale, Big Daddy, Casino Pride, Casino Pride 2, and Deltin JAQK . These vessels operate 24/7 and are accessible via private shuttle services from various pickup points in Panaji and North Goa. The Experience: Visiting an offshore casino feels like boarding a luxury cruise. You typically take a short ferry ride from the mainland, which adds to the sense of occasion. Once aboard, you’re greeted with multiple gaming floors, live entertainment shows, gourmet buffets, premium bars, and often live music or DJ performances. Entry packages usually range from ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 and include meals, unlimited beverages, gaming chips, and entertainment. The Downsides: The main disadvantage is accessibility. You need to factor in travel time to the jetty and ferry schedules. Additionally, offshore casinos can feel crowded during peak tourist season, especially on weekends and holidays. There have also been ongoing controversies about their environmental impact on the Mandovi River, with the government periodically discussing plans to relocate them to land-based entertainment zones.

Onshore Casinos: Land-Based Luxury and Convenience

Onshore casinos operate within five-star hotels and luxury resorts across North Goa, primarily in areas like Candolim, Baga, Panaji, and Bambolim. These venues are smaller and more intimate compared to their floating counterparts, but they offer something offshore casinos cannot: convenience and integration with resort amenities. What Makes Them Different: Under current regulations, onshore casinos can only offer electronic gaming machines. This includes digital versions of roulette, blackjack, baccarat, slot machines, and video poker, but no live dealers or physical card tables. While this might seem limiting, modern electronic gaming terminals (EGTs) provide highly immersive experiences with high-quality graphics, multiple game variations, and progressive jackpots. Notable onshore casinos include Casino Strike at Grand Hyatt Bambolim, Grand 7 Casino in Candolim, Casino Palms in Baga, Neo Majestic in Porvorim, and Casino Paradise and Casino Carnival in Panaji. Phoenix Casino, located inside the prestigious Hilton Goa Resort in Candolim, has quickly become one of the most luxurious onshore destinations, combining state-of-the-art gaming with premium hospitality. The Experience: What onshore casinos lack in live dealers, they make up for in convenience and ambiance. There’s no ferry ride required, you simply walk into the hotel and access the gaming floor. This makes them ideal for hotel guests, families looking for shorter gaming sessions, or anyone who prefers a more relaxed, less crowded environment. Onshore venues often integrate seamlessly with the host hotel’s amenities. At Phoenix Casino, for example, guests can enjoy not just gaming but also luxury dining, a premium hookah lounge, signature cocktails, live entertainment, and VIP gaming rooms, all under one roof. The atmosphere tends to be more sophisticated and less chaotic than the bustling offshore vessels. Entry costs are typically similar to offshore casinos, ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, with packages that include gaming chips, food, and beverages. Many onshore casinos operate 24/7, giving you the flexibility to visit whenever the mood strikes .

The Advantage of Choice:

For visitors staying in North Goa, onshore casinos offer unmatched convenience. You can enjoy a beach day, return to your hotel, freshen up, and head to the casino without any additional travel hassle. This makes them perfect for couples, solo travelers, or anyone who values ease of access over the spectacle of floating venues. Key Differences at a Glance

Gaming Options: Offshore casinos feature live table games with real dealers, while onshore casinos offer electronic gaming machines only.

Location: Offshore casinos are anchored on the Mandovi River and require ferry access; onshore casinos are inside five-star hotels. Atmosphere: Offshore venues tend to be larger, more crowded, and more theatrical; onshore casinos offer intimate, sophisticated, hotel-integrated experiences. Accessibility: Onshore casinos win on convenience, no ferries, no travel time, and often better integration with hotel stays. Regulations: Both types operate under strict government licensing, but onshore casinos face tighter restrictions on the types of games they can offer.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice ultimately depends on what kind of experience you’re seeking. If you want the full-scale spectacle of live dealers, high-stakes tables, and a glamorous floating casino atmosphere, the offshore vessels are your best bet. They’re ideal for groups, special occasions, or anyone looking to make their casino visit a standalone event. On the other hand, if you prefer convenience, a more relaxed vibe, and seamless integration with your hotel stay, onshore casinos are the smarter choice. They’re perfect for hotel guests who want to enjoy a few hours of gaming without the hassle of travel, or for visitors who appreciate modern electronic gaming over traditional table games. For those staying in Candolim or nearby areas, Phoenix Casino at Hilton Goa Resort offers an exceptional onshore experience that combines luxury, entertainment, and top-tier gaming in one sophisticated package. With its tagline “Where Luxury Begins and Fortunes Rise,” Phoenix delivers everything you’d expect from a world-class casino, plus the comfort and convenience of being part of a premium resort.

The Future of Goa’s Casino Industry

The debate between offshore and onshore casinos is likely to evolve in the coming years. The Goa government has periodically floated plans to relocate offshore casinos to designated land-based entertainment zones due to environmental and regulatory concerns . While these plans haven’t materialized yet, the 2027 license extension for offshore casinos suggests the government is taking a measured approach. Meanwhile, onshore casinos continue to expand and upgrade their offerings, with more luxury hotels adding gaming facilities to attract tourists. The rise of digital gaming and online platforms is also influencing how casinos operate, pushing them to offer hybrid experiences that blend physical and digital engagement.

Final Thoughts

Both offshore and onshore casinos contribute to Goa’s reputation as India’s premier gaming destination. Together, they generated over ₹606 crore in revenue during 2023-2024, supported more than 14,000 jobs, and attracted an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 daily visitors. Whether you choose the grandeur of floating casinos or the convenience of land-based venues, Goa’s diverse casino scene ensures there’s something for every type of player. So the next time you’re planning a casino night in Goa, consider what matters most to you: live dealers or electronic gaming, ferry rides or hotel convenience, spectacle or sophistication. Your perfect gaming experience is waiting, whether on water or on land.