Also looking for tax cuts
The India Cruise Lines Association reportedly is “demanding” that Indian officials amend local gaming laws to permit casino cruises to operate in local waters.
According to CalvinAyre.com, INCLA has contacted the office of Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking that concession and others that will boost its members’ businesses. Under current law, gambling is not permitted aboard ships until they are in international waters, at least 12 nautical miles from shore.
Jurgen Bailom, president and CEO of cruise line business the Essel Group and an INCLA member, reportedly is leading the charge. He has also asked for a reduction in the goods and service tax and a reduction for tax holidays.
An unidentified cruise line operator told Indian DNA, “Currently, these services are provided to the cruise passengers while the cruise ship is beyond 12/200 nautical miles from the Indian coastline. However, while the cruise ship is within the Indian territory, cruise liners are unable to provide gaming, entertainment and casino services to the passengers and meet their expectations.”
Last August INCLA made a similar appeal to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who is in charge of transportation, who apparently was not responsive. INCLA also wants the government to amend parts of the Foreign Direct Investment policy to allow foreign investments in cruise casinos.
The Essel Group markets state lotteries under the Playwin brand and runs both fantasy sports and online poker websites. It hoped to operate an offshore casino in the Mandovi River in the waters off Goa, but was unable to win a license.
