Indian Casino and Card Room Gaming

Until 1999, land-based casinos were outlawed in all Indian states. Goa was the first Indian state to permit casino gaming. Other states in India have followed Goa's lead in introducing casinos to encourage tourism. Casinos are currently legal in the states of Goa, Sikkim and Daman.

Casinos are taxed at a rate of 10% in Goa.

In October 2008, the Indian government enacted a smoking ban in all casinos.

In summer 2012, the Goa government began the process of drafting comprehensive casino legislation. The aim of the new law is to address labor issues, standardize equipment testing processes, and introduce mechanisms to track the number of casino patrons. The first of these laws was implemented in winter 2013, when anti-money-laundering measures were rolled out.

In December 2015, the Home Department of India drafted a new set of laws that seek to ban local residents from casinos, raise the gambling age to 21, and require identification to be presented upon entry to a casino. The bill requires approval by the Goa government before it is implemented, in whole or in part. After numerous delays, a decision is expected in 2019.