Poker has evolved and gained popularity among the masses over time in the recent past. It has a fascinating and lengthy history in India, which dates back to the 1800’s. The card game started to gain a lot of recognition when it was introduced to the Indian masses by the British colonists. Soon, poker became a popular way to pass time among the British officers and soldiers in clubs, barracks and cantonments.
Later, in the early 1900s, poker became a popular form of entertainment among the upper crust in India, as it became an activity across high-society events and private clubs. After India’s independence, the government maintained a strict stance towards card games like poker, rummy and even lottery and only a few states allowed operations of casinos. Nevertheless, poker started getting widely recognised in the 1970s and since then has undergone a surge in popularity.
Later on, Goa became the first state to legalise casinos. in the 1990s, with the state government aiming to generate revenue and boost their tourism. Since then, a lot of states have followed suit which include Sikkim as well as the union territory of Daman with the laws for casino operations varying from state to state.
Poker started to gain mainstream popularity in the next century and now is amongst the most played card games with new series and tournaments being hosted across live poker rooms in India. The opportunity to turn professional and make an income out of it propelled the growth of poker to exponential heights.
We have seen an exponential number of Indian professional players pop up in the recent past with these pros giving up their respective careers to play the card game for a living.
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The internet boom also played its part in the growth in popularity of online poker as a lot of companies entered the space and players from various tiers joined the fold. While online poker can be played in most of the states, the same cannot be said for physical poker rooms/casinos with the legal status for such rooms and casinos varying based on the respective state.
With a ton of poker rooms in India opening up over the last few decades, let’s have a look at all the legal poker rooms in India where you can get the thrill of competing with players in a physical setting. If you want to test your skills and play poker while experiencing world-class amenities below are best poker rooms in India where you can stop by.
The physical establishments of casinos in India are quite concentrated with casinos legal only in selected states of the country. It is worth noting that India mostly features two types of physical casinos – floating and land-based while the floating casinos are mostly on ships that are anchored on rivers, the land-based casinos are more traditional establishments.
Goa can be deemed as the perfect place for all the poker pros and enthusiasts in the country. The state has some of the largest and most luxurious casinos in India. These casinos are known to present an ‘Las Vegas’ experience to people interested in card games.
These venues also have multiple sources of entertainment for people across various age groups with a lot of live events like dance and music taking place on the ship. With performances by local and international artists taking place at the venues throughout the year, you are sure to have a gala time. Most of these casinos also have a separate lounge for kids with several games to keep them entertained.
If that’s not enough, then the exotic cuisines on offer prepared by talented chefs will ensure that your experience remains a memorable one. With a lavish spread of food options, live performances, and delicious cocktails to go along with VIP gaming suites, you will have a great time if you visit these casinos. It is also worth noting that all these venues are amongst the safest and secured casinos and you can be assured of not worrying about losing anything.
Located onboard the Mandovi River in Panaji, Goa, the Deltin Royale casino has dedicated rooms such as the Royale Poker room for Texas Hold’em, alongside Teen Patti, and games such as American Roulette, Baccarat, Indian Flush, and Blackjack.
The casino also has a VIP area for high rollers and amenities as well. Deltin Royale is spread over four levels and offers a range of gaming options like varied table games, slot machines and a money wheel. With over 40,000 sq. ft. of gaming area, it is one of the largest casinos in India. The Deltin Royale offers three 5-star restaurants and is also famous for their Sky Bar, which offers a panoramic view of the scenic landscape.
These features make Deltin Royale casino one of the best casinos in India and a must visit during your next trip to Goa. It is worth noting that the age limit is 21 and above with several packages on offer based on the day of the week. Special VIP packages and ladies’ packages are also present.
Operated by the Delta Group, Deltin Jaqk is situated on a luxury cruise ship that’s anchored in the Mandovi river. Known for its luxurious interiors, with plush carpets, and ornate furnishings, the gaming floor of Deltin Jaqk spreads across three levels.
From a variety of table games in Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, craps to a large selection of Slot Machines as well as electronic gaming terminals, Deltin Jaqk has over 300 gaming options to choose from. It is also worth noting that Deltin Jaqk offers special learners tables for people who are new to any card game and not as well versed with the games while also hosting world-class tournaments for the seasoned experts.
They also have an ATM machine onboard, which allows players to take care of any last-minute buy-ins as well. With several packages on offer based on the day of the week, as well as special VIP packages, and ladies packages (unlimited food and drinks are also included in this fee), you are surely going to have the time of your life at Deltin Jaqk.
Big Daddy Casino is onboard river Mandovi in Panaji, Goa. Opened recently in May 2019, this casino is one of the newest and largest in India. Spread over three levels, Big Daddy offers a range of gaming options from slot machines to table games. It is equipped with 110 tables, and 900 gaming options which include Blackjack, Slot Machines, Poker, and other games.
The Level 1 consists of general gaming with the level 2 hosting teen patti, poker rooms and high stakes gaming. Level 3 is Big Daddy’s exclusive member zone that hosts private games and other high stakes events. It is visited by lots of people since a lot of tournaments take place. A lot of professional players also visit here to compete in these tournaments with cash bonuses also on offer in these tournaments.
They also have a VIP zone and a ‘no cap’ on stakes zone, a cigar lounge, barbecue area, entertainment zone, gourmet multi-cuisine restaurant, sundeck, and many more such features. Big Daddy also has a separate section for kids called kid’s corner with plenty of activities on offer to keep them busy.
One of the biggest off-shore casinos, Big Daddy is surely a must visit casino of India. Big Daddy has multiple packages on offer starting from a day-time deal packages which costs ₹2,000 and provides unlimited house brand drinks and a promotional voucher worth ₹1,000.
Similarly, their regular package starts from ₹3,500 with Unlimited Buffer Dinner and Live Entertainment added into it. The premium package starts at ₹4,500 which additionally provides exclusive ‘High Tide’ access to players alongside all the previously mentioned details. Their youth package starts at ₹2,000 per person with unlimited buffet dinner and house brand drinks with live entertainment with a similar kids package on offer for children between 8 to 18 as well.
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Casino Pride has two locations in Panaji and one in Porvorim and can be counted as one of the oldest casinos in Goa. Spread over three levels, it offers a range of gaming options. From Poker, Blackjack, Roulette and other table games to Slot Machines, you can play all sorts of games at Casino Pride.
Claimed to be the pride of Goa, this casino has also been awarded as India’s best casino by Indian Travel Awards. With five casinos housed in Casino Pride, you have multiple dining options to pick from. One is sure to experience the feel of visiting some royal palace given the luxurious feel and ambience at Casino Pride.
This casino offers multiple Indian and international games making Casino Pride one of the most trusted casinos in Goa. Casino Pride has offers starting from ₹2,000/ 2,500 on weekdays and weekends which can go as high as ₹6,000, depending upon various packages. One can get an unlimited food buffet and house brand drinks on the gaming table as well as live entertainment offers and playing chips, based on the package on offer.
Located in the Grand Hyatt Goa, Casino Strike is situated near the beautiful Bambolim beach in Goa, India. It is one of the largest onshore casinos in Goa and offers range of gaming options from Poker, Blackjack, Mini Flush, Roulette, Teen Patti, Andar Bahar, Casino War, Baccarat to table games to slot machines.
They have a 3,400 sq.ft. party area that accommodates nearly 400 people. Their fine dining restaurant Cilantro boasts having exotic cuisines with the in-house bar named Talli Tequila making sure that you have the time of your life.
With PlayStation for teenagers and a DJ night also on offer, Casino Strike ensures that everyone has a good time. This casino also has flexible packages available based on the needs of the customer which range from ₹2,500 till ₹10,000 depending upon the days of the week.
They have announced their latest daytime indulgence offers which runs between 11 AM to 4 PM everyday where ₹1,500 can get you unlimited buffet lunch with ₹500 promotional vouchers and two drink coupons. Similarly they have multiple offers like regular package, premium package, VIP package and indulgence package ranging from ₹2,050 to ₹10,050.
Located in Panjim, Chances Resort and Casino is an in-house casino flanked by beaches and hills, close to the state capital. With a gaming area of 30,000 sq.ft., Chances Casino has over 50 luxurious 5-star rooms for you to stay. Amongst the oldest casinos in Goa, it is a relatively remote haven which remains popular amongst veteran casino visiters.
Part of a boutique resort, the luxurious hotel has almost everything from Blackjack, Baccarat to Andar Bahar, Roulette, Slot Machines, Poker among other card games. They also have high stake thrills for players while the newbies can even have a ‘play for fun’ afternoon lesson before testing the waters at the casino.
Upon entry, you get two house brand drinks and two snacks complimentary and dinner from 8 PM – 12 AM. The casino has ladies night every Wednesday from 7 PM to 12 AM as well.
Chances Casino also has exclusive casino packages that propel you into a realm of unlimited gaming by providing an unparalleled experience. They have a ₹30K package which gives players 25K non negotiable chips as well as deluxe room night stay all inclusive (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and free house brand alcoholic beverages and snacks while gaming.
Similarly their ₹49K package will give players 49K in non-negotiable chips and one night free stay in the deluxe room (double occupancy) with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). All these factors make Chances Casino your next preferred casino destination in India.
Owned and run by Times Leisure LLP, Casino Carnival is an onshore casino located at the Marriott Resort and Spa in Panaji. Established in 2001, the casino exudes the essence of extravagant entertainment and hospitality in Goa. With the confines of the picturesque Goa Marriott Resort, it can be deemed to be one of the friendliest and family oriented casinos in Goa.
From American Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, 5 Card Poker machine, Slots & Progressive Jackpots to Slot Machines and a variety of table games, Casino Carnival has it all. With a VIP area for high rollers and exclusive gaming options along with multiple amenities, the resort cum casino, has 5-star rooms with several luxurious restaurants to dine to.
It would not be wrong to deem the venue as one of the most affordable casinos of Goa. With the very lively place always hosting some event or the other, you are sure to have a great time here.
Located in the Hotel Neo Majestic in Porvorim, Goa, Casino Paradise is one of the largest casinos in India. With a casino gaming arena of 5,000 sq.ft. and three luxurious restaurants providing plenty of veg and non-veg varieties, one is sure to enjoy such amazing services.
One of the most visited casinos in India. Casino Paradise offers a range of gaming options. They have games such as Baccarat, Roulette, Blackjack, Mini Flush, Slot Machines, Tai Sai, Wheel Of Fortune and Robotic Arm Baccarat amongst others.
Casino Paradise offers multiple packages which range from ₹1,300 to ₹2,300 with kids entry costing ₹600 separately. It is also worth noting that Neo Majestic has over 100 5-star rooms which makes it the perfect place for you to stay when visiting Goa.
Apart from the usual spacious rooms, and multi-cuisine restaurants, one can also enjoy the swimming pools, gym, while also pampering your spouse at the Spa – Siddhi, or revitalise in the sauna and steam, they have something to suit every mood.
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Sikkim is known for its tradition and culture and also the perfect place for poker enthusiasts who wish to tour and travel while playing their preferred games in a casino. You are in for a treat with some incredible sightseeing on offer in the Northeastern state.
Visitors are sure to have a gala time when away from the poker tables with Sikkim proving the perfect mixture of poker and leisure by presenting an unmatched experience of grinding in this beautiful state. Apart from live poker and other casino games, one can take part in a lot of activities around the casino like trekking, mountain biking, bird watching, and so on. You can check out the casinos available to play in Sikkim below.
Casino Deltin Denzong is located 6,000 feet high in Gangtok, Sikkim. Located at Hotel Denzong Regency, you can enjoy a celestial gaming experience playing in front of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. Located just 1 KM away from the city center, one can reach the destination within two minutes by traveling via NH10 route. The onshore venue of Deltin has a range of games like Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, 3-Card Poker, 5-Card Poker, Andar Bahar, Texas Hold’em, Teen Patti and many more.
Launched on 28th of April 2023, Big Bull Casino is one of the latest casinos to emerge in India. With over 20+ classic casino games, here’s the perfect platform for you to engage in poker, Blackjack, Andar Bahar, Kitty, Marriage, Texas Hold’em and many more as well as the slot machines.
It is also worth noting that this casino has All Time Leaderboards, private gaming section along with gourmet buffet and unlimited drinks which give you the chance to feast like a king/queen. They have multiple offers which give you multiple discounts based on preferences.
All you have to do is check into Big Bull Casino using your Facebook or Instagram account and get 10% off on the casino food and beverage package. Similarly, you can get an instant 30% off on food and beverages package for one person as well as lifetime membership to all Big Bull offers by signing up with your phone number and email address at the front desk of the casino. The entry fees at Big Bull Casino starts at ₹1,800 and can go as high as ₹3,000.
Big City Bull offer allows players from cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore or Hyderabad to enjoy 20% off on all entry and stay packages simply on showing a valid ID and residence of the city. How amazing is that?
Mayfair Casino aka Alishan Casino is a casino located in Mayfair Spa Resorts and Casino in Sikkim. This casino is known to offer a range of casino gaming options which keeps the visitors hooked. Alishan Casino offers games like Roulette, Teen Patti, Andar Bahar, Blackjack and Poker. The casino which opened its doors in April 2023 is a great place to visit when you love playing casino games and want to try your hand at it.
Always filled with enthusiastic people, this place is open 24×7 with poker set to be played from 8:30 PM onwards. The ambience, the entertainment and frequent celebrity appearances make this one a must visit for those who appreciate luxury and real money gaming.
With that we conclude our list of top poker rooms in India. When you visit these poker destinations, you will surely experience the grandeur of Indian casinos where you can play live poker game and more. If you are a newbie, you can always check with the casinos for free live poker rooms India, and up your game.
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Smit is a sports writer at Gutshot Magazine. After completing his Bachelor’s in Mass Media, and a Master’s degree in Sports Management, this sports fanatic uses articles as a tool to express his opinions. Bring up cricket or football and you will find this usually quiet guy speak for hours! He also co-heads the official supporters club of Chelsea FC in Mumbai, wherein he hosts screenings, football meets and other such events.
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