Legislation

India – India Cruise Lines Association calls for casinos to boost cruise sector

The India Cruise Lines Association (INCLA) has asked the government in India to allow casinos onboard cruise ship vessels to promote and nurture the shipping industry.

The association presented a white paper to the government asking for a relaxation of entertainment and gambling laws for cruise ships and to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in casinos operated on board a cruise ship.
It made the recommendations to Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport, Highways, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Nitin Gadkari. The white paper was handed over to Gadkari by Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and Essel Group Chairman Subhash Chandra.

The Essel Group runs state lotteries under the brand ‘Playwin’ along with online poker and fantasy sports. It lobbied for an offshore casino in Goa called Maharajah casino but failed to get a license.