India’s Delta Corp (NSE: DELTACORP) announced this week that Goa’s state government has renewed the gaming license for its subsidy, Delta Pleasure Cruise Company, and MV Royale Flotel – Deltin Caravela, has been approved by the caption of ports (CoP) to operate at Mandovi River, bringing the total number of casinos floating on the river in Goa in India to five.
Not new to the River Mandovi, in May 2013 the floating casino was removed from the river for refurbishing. It’s reentry into the River Mandovi in a few days will be as Goa’s first five-star standard floating hotel-cum-casino, according to The Times of India. In may last year, the Goa government approved the vessel but said that it couldn’t operate on the River Mandovi.
On the Bombay Stock Exchange, Delta Corp stock rose to Rs 84 (US$1.30), a 2.44 percent increase, following the after-market announcement on Monday. The news, however, was not received well by politicians opposed to the license approval for Delta Corp’s newest vessel, pointing out that the existing floating casinos had been given only a year by the government in which to find another location to reside, as reported by Calvin Ayre.
In addition to the MV Royale Flotel – Deltin Caravela, Delta Corp also operates the Deltin Jaqk and Deltin Royale in Goa. Delta’s three, along with Goa’s other two gaming vessels will still need to relocate by March 31, 2017.
Casino Caravela includes 8 suites that average approximately 500 square feet or more are all outfitted modern amenities. There are also two ultra-luxurious duplex suites, spa, library, Jacuzzi, and an air-conditioned restaurant on the sundeck. According to Delta Corp, it was designed to attract the best of the best high-end tourist and to give a major boost to the tourism sector.