Delta Corp interim shift sparks protest over Goa casino row
The relocation of Delta Corp’s offshore casino vessel MV Horseshoe, operating as Deltin Royale, has triggered fresh protests and political controversy in Goa, even as the Captain of Ports department granted interim permission for the move. Residents and opposition leaders have objected to the proposed induction of a larger 112 metre casino vessel in the River Mandovi, calling for status quo and stricter scrutiny.
Captain of Ports Octavio Rodrigues confirmed that Delta Corp can anchor Deltin Royale near the Patto bridge until 30 April. After that, the vessel must permanently shift to the current site of Royale Floatel, which will be moved out of the Mandovi as part of a broader reshuffle of offshore casino vessels.
Temporary relocation before fleet reshuffle
Rodrigues said the new 112 metre casino vessel will replace MV Horseshoe at Verem, which he described as the only feasible location for a ship of that size. Once the larger vessel arrives, MV Horseshoe will take the place of the smaller Dolphin casino vessel.
The new vessel is expected to accommodate more than 1,000 people, a significant increase from the existing Deltin Royale’s capacity of 390. The change will raise overall passenger capacity among offshore casino vessels operating in the Mandovi.
The interim approval remains valid only until 30 April. Rodrigues said Delta Corp must complete the permanent relocation as directed once the deadline expires.
Protests intensify over casino expansion
The decision has sparked protests from residents and political leaders who oppose the expansion of casino operations on the river. AAP Goa president Valmiki Naik and activist Sabina Martins led a delegation of residents to meet the Captain of Ports, urging him not to allow the new vessel into the Mandovi.
Naik demanded that authorities maintain status quo and opposed the temporary relocation of Deltin Royale near the Patto bridge. Martins said residents do not want further proliferation of casinos on the river and announced plans to approach Ports Minister Digambar Kamat and seek a meeting with the chief minister.
The issue has added to the ongoing debate in Goa over offshore casinos and their impact on the river and surrounding communities.
Approval subject to statutory compliance
Rodrigues said the department’s approval depends strictly on regulatory compliance. He stated that the vessel will not receive permission to operate if it lacks statutory documents and survey certificates.
“If they do not have survey documents, if they do not have compliance, then I will definitely not allow the vessel to come in. But if the vessel has all the papers and survey documents, I cannot stop anything. I can only stop the vessel if they do not have the statutory documents and survey certificates,” Rodrigues said.
He clarified that the department’s role is limited to verifying compliance with maritime rules and safety requirements.
Safety monitoring and emergency plans
The Captain of Ports department is also working on additional safety measures as vessel capacity increases. Rodrigues said officials plan to launch a mobile application to track the number of people on each casino vessel in real time.
Authorities have proposed deploying a dedicated firefighting tug and a water ambulance to strengthen emergency response on the Mandovi.
The relocation of Deltin Royale and the planned induction of the larger vessel will move forward in phases, subject to compliance checks and final clearances from the relevant authorities.
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