Local media is reporting that offshore casinos could be trialled in the city of Mumbai, India, by the end of the year.
The government of the surrounding state of Maharashtra is also considering allowing land-based casinos, which the state tourism corporation thinks could generate more than $1.1bn in gaming revenue. The corporation is considering a 25 per cent gaming revenue tax.
The state is being forced to consider casinos because of a court ruling on its 1976 law that permits their operation, though enabling legislation had never been enacted. Mumbai has a population of 12.4 million and is considered the wealthiest city in south Asia. The state of Maharashtra has a population of 112 million.
