India R
Incredible
Chris Sanson talks to Steve Hand about the potential of Indian casinos
ecent press estimates the Indian gambling market at anything from US$ 20 Billion per year to US$ 80 Billion a year!. From my recent visits to India, it could be far higher than the top end of that range if casinos are legalised with more of a national rather than regional approach.
Rumours abound that illegal betting in India is already a US$40 billion p.a. industry, with some analysts saying the amount is far higher. Of course consideration should also be made for the many US$ billions more that Indians also spend in foreign casinos and Integrated Resorts such as those in Singapore, Macau and other nearby countries. Many Indians have by necessity, flocked to nearby countries such as Nepal and Sri Lanka for their gambling trips. There are now two casinos in Sikkim which attract increasingly more Indians playing in their own country rather than Nepal, and both casinos are already expanding to meet
demand! There are at least 5 more licenses available in Sikkim State and a new airport, due soon in East Sikkim, may make playing there far easier.
GOA
Goa, where land based casino gambling started 18 years ago -, is now expanding Large electronic casinos in 5 star resorts and two very large seagoing vessels (the Horseshoe Casino and the Maharajah), are already docked or are due to soon and will add to the number of the licenses allowed for offshore casinos. There are now 17 casinos operating in 5 star hotels in Goa with an additional SOL Entertainment Pvt Ltd property opening at the beginning of August 2011, the “Crown Lounge & Casino” at the Crown hotel Goa. Many boats have begun Goan operations, only to cease trading shortly after, several have subsequently been renamed. On my last visit in August the market seemed to have consolidated and ther are now - 4 boats operating. I must say I was most impressed
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