Cruises would be open to foreigners only
The tourism industry of Karnataka, India is pushing offshore casinos as a way to increase visitation to the state’s coastal region, according to Matchforecaster.com. All forms of gaming are now prohibited in the state; presently, only the states of Goa, Daman and Sikkim permit casino gaming.
But the rules in Karnataka eased somewhat when the government lifted a ban on poker, arguing that it’s a game of skill, not of chance. Legalizing casino gaming could generate substantial tax revenue for the state government, says Minister RV Deshpande, whose initial proposal would bring foreigners-only casino boats to the coastal areas of Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada.
If a trial succeeds, the government may then consider offshore casinos in other coastal districts such as Tadri, Belekeri and Malpe, and also consider allowing Indian nationals to enter and play at these offshore casinos.
Tourism Minister Priyank M Kharge is skeptical about the plan. “Two agencies have come forward to run offshore casinos on the lines of those in Goa, but we are treading cautiously,” he said in a statement. “A move to launch casinos may generate opposition since the state has already banned lottery and gambling. In the next few days, we will discuss legalizing offshore casinos.”
