Candolim, Goa — A casino operating in North Goa’s Candolim was raided this week after allegedly conducting live card games without proper authorization. Goa police arrested 11 individuals, including nine tourists and two staff members, for participating in the illegal activity.
According to Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta, “The accused were caught red-handed playing a game of chance known as ‘Andhar Bahar’ at a facility that was only licensed for electronic amusement and slot machines.”
The casino, identified as Puppy’s Casino Gold, is located within a five-star hotel and does not hold a license for live table games, which are permitted only in offshore casinos under the Goa Gambling act.
BREAKING NEWS 🚨
A sting operation by opposition leader Vijay Sardesai caught illegal live gambling on onshore casinos in Goa
After Taxi Mafia, Drugs Mafia & Liquor Mafia, Gambling Mafia is also growing under BJP Govt
Complete Mafia Raj in Goa 🔔 pic.twitter.com/ESqB3c9ytN
— Rohini Anand (@mrs_roh08) August 6, 2025
Police named the arrested staffers as shift manager Clifford Mendonça and dealer Sahil Sawant. All 11 individuals were released on bail shortly after their formal arrest.
The raid was triggered by a secretly recorded video clip showing live games in progress. Authorities seized gaming equipment and cash worth ₹35 lakh from the premises.
.@VijaiSardesai drops a bombshell in the Assembly, presenting video proof from a sting operation showing illegal live gaming in onshore casinos in Candolim and Calangute. He slammed the BJP government for colluding with casinos, calling it a clear case of wilful connivance, not… pic.twitter.com/9QVVpCGu9G
— Goa Forward (@Goaforwardparty) August 6, 2025
“The guests were from Delhi, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Karnataka,” Gupta added, emphasizing that the operation targeted violations of licensing laws rather than individual players.
An email sent to the casino seeking comment remained unanswered at the time of publication
