Operations are scheduled to start next month on what is claimed to be the largest offshore casino in Asia, the 70 metre US$25 million vessel to be anchored off the coast of Goa in India. Named the Maharajah Casino and operated by Creative Gaming Solution, a subsidiary of Mumbai-based Pan India Network Infravest Pvt Ltd - the company that runs the Playwin lottery in the country – 35 no-limit gaming tables spread over four decks will offer blackjack, roulette and a variety of poker games.

Maharajah Casino will begin by opening from 6 in the evening until six in the morning but round-the-clock gambling should be on offer after the first month. The vessel will be anchored just 20 metres offshore, where the Mandvi River that runs through the Goan capital Panaji flows into the sea. Casino clients will be ferried to the ship by two boats where they can enjoy multi-cultural cuisine and entertainment programmes as well as gambling.

The operators plan to attract the many foreign tourists that visit Goa and also the Indians that travel to Nepal to gamble in Kathmandu. At present the floating casino is at the Mumbai docks undergoing final fitting and should set sail as soon as it gets clearance from shipping authorities. It is due to reach Goa before the end of March, where the relevant legal formalities are said to have been completed. (E-03.06.08)

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