Gambling ahoy

Luxury cruise liners are reputed to satisfy your every whim. Yet Indians, so far, had to make do without the indulgence of gambling on sea...

Luxury cruise liners are reputed to satisfy your every whim. Yet Indians, so far, had to make do without the indulgence of gambling on sea. They need not complain anymore. Casino Goa, Indiaacirc;euro;trade;s first live gaming casino, will be starting operations shortly.

Aboard the entertainment cruise ship, The Caravela, Casino Goa aims to recreate the magic of Las Vegas on ship. Jointly owned by Advani Pleasure Cruise Company Pvt Ltd APCCPL and Casinos Austria International CAI, the ship runs between the Goan harbour five minutes drive from Goa airport to the Renaissance Goa Resort to Panjim and back. The Sunset Cruise offers live gaming between 6 pm and 6 am and costs Rs 3000 on weekdays and Rs 5000 on weekends. And if you want just the sightseeing, it is available between 11 am and 4 pm and costs Rs 1500.

As you enter the Casino, you are enchanted by its grand interiors, including chandeliers, draperies and gold ceilings. Designed by Mumbai-based architect Prakash Mankar, the material for all the interiors have been imported from the USA and are fire retardant. Casinos Austria International which operates over 200 casinos in 24 countries and 80 luxury cruise liners has ensured international standards. Gamblers can try their hand at games such as American Roulette, Black Jack, Rummy and various slot machines. Out of the 26 game counters, there are 11 table games, eight slot machines and four roulette boards.

Trained dealers conduct the gaming sessions. 40 crew members have been hired to take care of the 240 possible customers aboard the cruise liner. Of course, customers below 18 will not be given entry to the casino.

Casino Goa also has a multiple cuisine restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool. Sunder Advani, chairman, APCCPL, says: acirc;euro;oelig;Casino Goa will attract more tourists from abroad as it offers them these unique gambling facilities. We also expect Indian tourists from Bangalore, Delhi and Gujarat.acirc;euro;