India: Daman bets big on casino

Currently, Goa is the only home to India’s legalized casinos. A Nasscom study says country’s gaming industry is poised to grow to about us$ 3,618 by March 2009 from the present us$ 42,21.

"It will be the first casino in this region. Daman has potential and we plan to target tourists from Gujarat and neighbouring states like Maharashtra. The resort and casino operations will commence by September next year," said Ketan Patel, chairman of DHPL. Son of Dahyabhai Patel, Congress MP from Daman, Patel is the president of Congress’s Daman unit.

Fiesta Casino, as it will be known, will come up over 4,830 sqm area equipped with 500 electronic slot machines like Poker, Blackjet and Roulette. The casino will be leased out to an Indian company holding a gaming license under Gambling Act of Goa, Daman and Diu, 1976.

"There is an increased effort in promoting casinos among the domestic audience. Indians, especially Gujaratis, have high disposable income and are considered high-spenders. The project will change the face of Daman," he said. The 200-room luxury resort will come up over 4 hectares sea-facing land. As a part of the 50:50 Joint Venture, Thunderbird’s subsidiary, Impacto, will design and execute the facility.