Delta Corp, a Mumbai-based gaming and hospitality company, has suspended its plans to build an integrated casino resort in Goa, India’s casino hub.
As reported by the Times of India, the company had proposed an “integrated resort-cum-casino township” spread across 36 hectares (90 acres) in Dhargal, close to Manohar International Airport. The project involved an investment of up to 2,500 crore rupees (US$285 million). However, Delta decided to pause development following reports that the government may raise the goods-and-services tax (GST) on casinos from 28% to 40%.
“The contemplated 40% GST would render the entire sector unviable,” Delta Corp Chairman Jaydev Mody told the Times. “It will impact thousands of jobs, hurt tourism to the state, reduce tax collections, and make past industry investments redundant.”
The project was being positioned as India’s first true integrated resort, with plans for hotels, convention and meeting facilities, a shopping complex, and a theme park. Originally slated to open in 2027, the resort was expected to generate around 10,000 jobs, according to Mody.
Stocks fall, rise on gaming developments
The Goa project has also encountered setbacks beyond tax concerns, including a public-interest lawsuit questioning the conversion of agricultural land for casino development. The case is still under review by the Bombay High Court.
In a statement published on its website, Delta Corp expressed optimism about the matter. “The Goa government’s anticipated land policy is still in progress. Once implemented, it will establish designated gaming zones and help formalize the industry. As a market leader in Goa’s gaming sector, we are well-positioned to benefit from this major policy shift,” the company noted.
Although construction is currently on hold, Delta Corp emphasized that the integrated resort remains central to its long-term expansion plans. Chairman Jaydev Mody said the project could resume once “there is clarity on all the GST issues.”
Meanwhile, Delta’s stock experienced some volatility. Shares fell last week after lawmakers unexpectedly voted to prohibit real-money online gaming, but rebounded with a 15% jump following the announcement of the Goa project’s suspension, according to India Business Today.
