The Mayfair Gangtok Hotel & Resort is opening the first full-service, land-based casino in the Indian state of Sikkim.

Dilip Ray, founder and chairman of Mayfair Hotels & Resorts, told Business Standard, “We have got the license to operate the first full-scale, regular and live casino in the country at our Gangtok property.”

The grand opening was held June 24. The hotel is situated in the state of Sikkim, which like Goa has chosen to allow certain forms of casino gaming.

However, unlike the hotels of Goa, which only allow electronic games, the Mayfair Gangtok casino will have 150 dealers at tables offering games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat and poker, and local games kitty and mini flush.

Casino visitors will be charged an entry fee of INR500—about $11. Food and beverage will be complimentary, and there will be live entertainment on the casino floor. Opening hours are scheduled to be from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m.

A temporary, 1,000-square-foot casino initially will be set up in the conference facility of the hotel. Eventually, it will move into its own 30,000-square-foot space spread over three or four floors.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.