India Cruise Line Association Finds Ally In Fight For Casinos

The chairperson of Rajya and Essel Group, Subhash Chandra, is strongly supporting the India Cruise Lines Association (INCLA), in demanding government officials allow casinos on cruise ships.

In their quest to help boost the cruise tourism and shipping market sectors, the association has written to the Prime Minister’s office asking for some changes in law and a number of concessions.

An official with the INCLA, Jurgen Bailom, said the group is among other things demanding a reduction in the goods and services tax, and the reduction for tax holidays alongside a single window clearance.

In addition, the association is requesting an amendment in the current gambling and entertainment law, pertaining to entertainment, casinos, and gaming activity on cruise ships within the territorial waters of India.

In an interview with Indian DNA media outlet, an anonymous cruise operator said, “Currently, these services are provided to the cruise passengers while the cruise ship is beyond 12 / 200 nautical miles from the Indian coastline since these entertainment and gambling laws do not tend to apply beyond 12 / 200 nautical miles. However, while the cruise ship is within the Indian territory, cruise liners are unable to provide gaming, entertainment and casino services to the passengers and meet their expectations.”

Last August, the INCLA made same demands to the Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport, Highways, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Nitin Gadkari, but did not see the needed results and therefore forwarded the demands to the Prime Minister’s Office.