The Casino Royale Goa is one of Asia’s largest offshore gaming casinos. A temple of the finest tables and card games and slots, this gaming house is unbeatable in style and sophistication. This live casino offers the best of entertainment, VIP and VVIP gaming arenas, a world-class helideck, an amphitheater and international cuisine by China Garden’s Nelson Wang.
A massive 12,000 square feet, beckons the mesmerized player into a magical web of gaming spread across 3 floors. 30 slot machines, 50 tables and a dedicated poker room host a variety of games like Texas Hold’em, Baccarat, Blackjack, 3-card poker and Royale stud poker, American Roulette, Pontoon, Mini Flush and Indian Flush.
Special learner’s tables are organized for amateurs to first learn the ropes of the game.
The luxury class 7 passenger vessel consists of 4 decks that can easily entertain over 888 guests. The generally prevailing mood, as one enters into Casino Royale, is that of a holiday.
A day at Casino Royale, Goa
The yacht, Caravela lazily drifts out into the smiling sun, past the pillars of history. Adil Shah’s Palace (The Old Secretariat), Fort Aguada, the small fishing boats-all pass one by one, as the ship sets out into the aquamarine waters of the Arabian Sea. A spacious sundeck welcomes the guest to gaze at the sights as the sun softly kisses the hair. A dip in the cool open air swimming pool rejuvenates the senses.
After a tryst with the sun, visitors may head in the direction of the groovy music playing in the lounge, and then unwind at the Aqua Bar with a choice of cocktails and beverages. The array of Indian, Chinese, Italian and Continental flavors served at China Garden are a gastronome’s delight. Live entertainment that takes place on the top deck from 9pm, brightens up the night. An on- board ATM is a clever ploy- it keeps the gamers’ cash flowing, and the business running.
Children of guests, are well cared for by trained staff at the on-board creche.
So while guests indulge in a little fun at the gaming table, their little ones can live out their own fantasy in a finely styled crèche and a TV/Video Game room with unlimited access to beverages and dinner, and full entry to dining and entertainment areas. They are, of course, not allowed access to alcohol or permitted entry to the casino floor.
Specially trained dealers conduct gaming sessions according to international standards. The ship is managed by a highly qualified team of multilingual and multicultural professionals- internationally renowned experts in hospitality, entertainment and gaming.
The Reel and Poker slot machines are good for someone who wants to stay away from the big money and is happy trying his luck with tens and hundreds. The slots collection is extensive with state-of-the-art Mega Jack multi games and video slot machines. The idea is to pack everything into one single package. With games, live entertainment, international food, and spectacular sights, the Casino Royale Goa is not just a casino, it is a luxury experience.
Facts about Casino Royale
1. The casino vessel, M.V. Caravela is worth Rs.110 million.
2. The Casino Royale Goa was renamed the Deltin Jaqk in August 2013 and is owned by the Deltin Group of casinos and hotels.
3. The Public Gambling Act, 1976, was amended by the Goa government in 1992 to allow onshore casinos in five-star hotels in the state. It was amended once again in 1998 to allow for offshore casinos. Before this, casinos were illegal in the state.
Where is Casino Royale?
Because of its popularity, the Casino Royale Goa is easy to locate. It is situated on a yacht, the M.V. Caravela, which is anchored in the River Mandovi, off the coast of Panaji.
From the embarkation point, high speed guest boats take one to the M.V. Caravela in no time. A shuttle service at regular intervals also takes guests directly from the airport or Tivim, the nearest railway station. The distance of the yacht to the Dabolim International Airport is 29.8km and to that of Tivim is 24.6km.
A helicopter landing is also possible here- at India’s only offshore helideck, on top of the Caravela.
Best time to visit Casino Royale
Goa has a hot and humid climate for most parts of the year. In summers, temperatures usually rise over 35°C with high humidity. May is the hottest month. Monsoons on board the Caravela are mostly spent indoors since the sundeck is closed.
The months between mid-December and February witness a short winter season with temperatures sticking to a comfortable 21°C. This is the peak tourist season, and the casino too, sees a lot of visitors. The Christmas-New Year weekend also sees a host of festivities and special live entertainment aboard the ship.
Casino Royale Hours
Entry to Casino Royale depends on the departure timings of the cruise Once inside, however, the casino is open round the clock. Only visitors of ages 21 above are allowed entry to the casino floor. Dinner is served from 8.30pm and entertainment performances occur between 9:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Alcoholic drinks are served from 7:00 p.m. till 12:00a.m. After 12:00 a.m., drinks are only served at the gaming tables.
All passengers are required to carry a valid government photo ID and get it verified before boarding. The dress code consists of formals and smart casuals. Sleeveless T-shirts, shorts, chappals and flip-flops are prohibited.
For more information, you can contact, Fisheries Jetty, Fisheries Dept. Building, D. Bandodkar Road, Panaji – Goa 403001 or call, +917798740004 and +918806663673.
Casino Royale Tickets
The Casino Royale Goa entry fee is Rs.1500 per person which includes a Rs.500 gaming chip, which has to be used in one shot. One cannot encash the chip unless one plays and wins an equal amount. The entry fee covers the cost of unlimited snacks, buffet dinner and drinks served on board.
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Image credits : Antoine Taveneaux (Representative Image)