Who is the Owner of Big Daddy Casino? The Complete Story Behind India’s Largest Offshore Gaming Destination
The Visionary Behind Big Daddy Casino
Big Daddy Casino , India’s largest and most prestigious offshore gaming destination, is the result of a bold vision to transform the country’s gaming landscape. Since its grand launch in May 2019, this magnificent floating casino has captivated visitors from across India and around the world, offering an unparalleled gaming experience on the serene waters of the Mandovi River in Goa. As India’s premier gaming destination, Big Daddy Casino has set new benchmarks in luxury, entertainment, and hospitality.
But who is the mastermind behind this ambitious project? The story of Big Daddy Casino’s ownership is a fascinating tale of ambition, perseverance, and entrepreneurial vision. At the helm of this multi-crore enterprise is Gopal Kanda, a prominent Haryana politician and businessman who has earned the reputation of being the ‘gambling mogul’ of Goa. To learn more about the company’s journey and values, visit our About Us page.
This comprehensive guide explores the complete ownership structure of Big Daddy Casino, from its primary owner and the operating company to the visionary leadership team that has made it Asia’s largest offshore gaming destination. Whether you are a curious visitor, a potential investor, or simply interested in the business behind India’s premier casino, this article provides all the answers you need.
Who is the Owner of Big Daddy Casino?
Gopal Kanda: The Primary Owner
The primary owner of Big Daddy Casino is Gopal Kanda, a prominent politician from Haryana and a successful businessman with diverse interests across multiple industries. Kanda is widely recognized as the ‘gambling mogul’ of Goa, having established himself as one of the most influential figures in India’s offshore casino industry.
Kanda’s journey to becoming the owner of India’s largest offshore casino is a story of determination and strategic business acumen. Born and raised in Haryana, Kanda ventured into politics and business simultaneously, building a diverse portfolio that includes real estate, aviation, hospitality, and now gaming. For those curious about the history and vision of this remarkable enterprise, our About Us page provides deeper insights.
In a historic achievement, Gopal Kanda became the first casino owner to win an election in India when he secured a seat in the Haryana legislative assembly elections. He represents the Sirsa constituency in Haryana and has been a member of various political parties, including the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and the Haryana Lokhit Party.
The MDLR Group Connection
Big Daddy Casino is owned through Golden Globe Hotels Private Limited, a company that is part of the Murli Dhar Lakh Ram (MDLR) Group of Companies. The MDLR Group is a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning real estate development, high value construction, farmland development, facility management, shopping malls (Hong Kong Bazaar), resorts & hotels (Park Plaza – Gurgaon), multiplexes, restaurants, mass media (Haryana News), educational institutions (Arni University – Himachal Pradesh, MDK International School – Haryana), and consumer electronics (OXE Mobiles).
This diverse business background has provided Gopal Kanda with the resources, expertise, and strategic vision necessary to establish and operate Asia’s largest offshore casino. To understand more about our operations and frequently asked questions, visit our FAQs page.
The Operating Company: Golden Globe Hotels Private Limited
Company Overview
Golden Globe Hotels Private Limited is the company that operates Big Daddy Casino. Incorporated on 14 July 2008, the company has its registered office in New Delhi and is a non-government entity operating within the hospitality and gaming segment of the MDLR Group.
The company describes itself as “the biggest and most modern offshore gaming destination in Asia” . This ambitious vision has been realized through the creation of Big Daddy Casino, which spans 90,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment area across three lavish decks. To explore the wide variety of Casino Games available at Big Daddy Casino, check out our comprehensive games guide.
Directors of the Company
Golden Globe Hotels Private Limited is governed by a distinguished board of directors:
- Mrs. Saraswati Goyal
- Mr. Lakram Goyal
- Mr. Shubham Singhal
These directors bring extensive experience in hospitality, gaming, and business management to the organization.
Associated Companies
Big Daddy Casino is collaboratively owned by Golden Globe Hotels Private Limited and its associate company, Worldwide Resorts & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. . This partnership has enabled the creation of Asia’s largest offshore casino, with 90,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment space.
The Leadership Team
Narinder Punj: Chief Visionary Officer and Mentor
Narinder Punj serves as the Chief Visionary Officer and Mentor of Big Daddy Goa. With over 38 years of global casino experience, Punj brings unparalleled expertise to the organization.
His career has spanned across continents – from Baghdad to Vienna, sailing the Aegean, Mediterranean, Caribbean Seas, and Atlantic and Pacific Oceans between 1982 and 1987. He has led the openings of reputed casinos in Eastern Europe, Poland, Russia, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Egypt, Kenya, and the Palestinian Authority.
Under Punj’s visionary leadership, Big Daddy Casino has revolutionized the gaming industry in India. His deep understanding of international gaming standards and player preferences has been instrumental in shaping the casino’s offerings.
Pareekshit Suvarna: Head of Customer Experience and Loyalty
Pareekshit Suvarna serves as the Head of Customer Experience and Loyalty at Big Daddy Casino. He has been instrumental in creating the unique guest experience that sets Big Daddy apart from other casinos. If you need to get in touch with our team, visit our Contact Us page for all support channels.
The Vessel: A Floating Palace
From MV Lucky Seven to Big Daddy
The journey to launching Big Daddy Casino was not without its challenges. The original vessel intended for the casino, the MV Lucky Seven, ran aground at Miramar beach in July 2017 during stormy weather. The vessel was salvaged after significant hardship and towed for repairs at Mormugao Port Trust in October 2017.
Despite this setback, Golden Globe Hotels persevered. The company replaced the original vessel with a specially commissioned 72-meter (236-foot) Panamanian vessel, built in 1995, which was refurbished with imported furnishings and interiors.
The New Vessel
The new vessel that houses Big Daddy Casino is a 72-meter long and 24-meter wide Panamanian vessel that was launched on May 9, 2019, with an 11-day “Opening Extravaganza” that continued through May 19.
The casino spans 50,000 square feet spread over three decks, housing 110 gaming tables including blackjack, roulette, Indian Flush, and poker. The ship also features:
- A multi-cuisine lavish restaurant offering the best of local and global cuisines
- A well-stocked bar
- A live barbecue area on the topmost deck
- A sundeck
- A variety of entertainment programs including national and international acts
The Casino Experience
Asia’s Largest Offshore Gaming Destination
Big Daddy Casino is proudly touted as the biggest and most modern offshore gaming destination in Asia . The casino features no-limit tables, targeting travellers from around the world who are eager to score big with games like poker, baccarat, American roulette, blackjack, rummy, and more. To understand our legal terms and conditions, please read our Disclaimer page.
Family-Friendly Approach
Unlike many other casinos, Big Daddy Casino has adopted a family-friendly approach. The casino features a special gaming room for kids, allowing young parents to enjoy gambling without worrying about their little ones.
“We decided to have a special gaming room for kids to let young parents enjoy gambling without worrying about changing diapers or taking care of their little ones. We aim to bring as many high-end foreign and Indian guests to our ship, in order to generate revenue, employment, and also to boost tourism for the state of Goa.” – Narinder Punj, Chief Visionary Officer
Gopal Kanda’s Business Empire
MDLR Airlines
Before venturing into the casino business, Gopal Kanda launched an airline called MDLR Airlines in 2005. The airline later went bankrupt, but it established Kanda as a prominent businessman in India.
Political Career
Gopal Kanda has been actively involved in Haryana politics. He served as a cabinet minister in the Bhupinder Singh Hooda government. He lost the elections in 2014 but made a comeback in 2019, winning the Sirsa seat and becoming the first casino owner to win an election in India.
Legal Challenges
Gopal Kanda has faced several legal challenges throughout his career. He has several criminal cases registered against him, including cases for abetment to suicide, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, income tax evasion, and check bouncing.
In recent years, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids on premises linked to Gopal Kanda and his family as part of investigations into FEMA violations. The ED investigation revealed that poker chips were being provided to customers in lieu of foreign currency. For details on how we protect your data, please review our Privacy Policy .
Controversies and Challenges
The MV Lucky Seven Incident
The original vessel intended for Big Daddy Casino, the MV Lucky Seven, ran aground at Miramar beach in July 2017 during stormy weather, injuring several crew members. The vessel was later found unsuitable for operations, and Golden Globe replaced it with a leased vessel called MV San Domino.
Regulatory Scrutiny
Big Daddy Casino has faced regulatory scrutiny since its inception. The casino replaced MV San Domino despite ongoing controversies about casino boats on the Mandovi River. There have been calls from various political parties to ban casino boats operating in Goan waters.
Enforcement Directorate Raids
In 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at five casinos in Goa, including Big Daddy Casino, as part of a money laundering investigation. The searches revealed that poker chips were being provided to customers in lieu of foreign currency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is the owner of Big Daddy Casino?
Big Daddy Casino is owned by Gopal Kanda, a prominent Haryana politician and businessman who is widely recognized as the ‘gambling mogul’ of Goa. For more answers to common questions, visit our FAQs page.
Q2: What company operates Big Daddy Casino?
Big Daddy Casino is operated by Golden Globe Hotels Private Limited, a company incorporated on 14 July 2008 that is part of the Murli Dhar Lakh Ram (MDLR) Group of Companies.
Q3: When was Big Daddy Casino launched?
Big Daddy Casino was launched on May 9, 2019, with an 11-day “Opening Extravaganza” that continued through May 19.
Q4: Is Gopal Kanda the first casino owner to win an election in India?
Yes, Gopal Kanda is the first casino owner to win an election in India. He won a seat in the Haryana legislative assembly elections in 2019.
Q5: What other businesses does Gopal Kanda own?
Gopal Kanda owns businesses across multiple industries through the MDLR Group, including real estate, construction, shopping malls, resorts, hotels, multiplexes, restaurants, mass media, educational institutions, and consumer electronics.
Q6: What is the size of Big Daddy Casino?
Big Daddy Casino spans 90,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment area, making it Asia’s largest offshore casino.
Q7: Who is the Chief Visionary Officer of Big Daddy Casino?
Narinder Punj serves as the Chief Visionary Officer and Mentor of Big Daddy Goa, bringing over 38 years of global casino experience.
Q8: Where is Big Daddy Casino located?
Big Daddy Casino is located on a luxury cruise ship anchored in the Mandovi River, off the Captain of Ports Jetty in Panaji, Goa.
Q9: What games are available at Big Daddy Casino?
Big Daddy Casino offers a wide range of games including poker, baccarat, American roulette, blackjack, rummy, Indian Flush, and andar bahar. Explore all Casino Games on our dedicated games page.
Q10: Does Big Daddy Casino have no-limit tables?
Yes, Big Daddy Casino features no-limit tables, targeting high-rolling travellers from around the world.
Conclusion
The owner of Big Daddy Casino is Gopal Kanda, a visionary Haryana politician and businessman who has established himself as the ‘gambling mogul’ of Goa. Through Golden Globe Hotels Private Limited, part of the diversified MDLR Group of Companies, Kanda has created Asia’s largest offshore gaming destination.
From its humble beginnings with the ill-fated MV Lucky Seven to its current status as a 90,000-square-foot floating palace on the Mandovi River, Big Daddy Casino represents the culmination of years of perseverance, strategic vision, and entrepreneurial ambition. Under the leadership of Chief Visionary Officer Narinder Punj, the casino has become a premier destination for gaming enthusiasts from across India and around the world.
Whether you are visiting the casino in person or exploring its offerings online through Big Daddy Casino’s official website , the story of its ownership adds another layer of intrigue to this remarkable establishment. From its family-friendly approach and no-limit tables to its commitment to world-class hospitality, Big Daddy Casino continues to redefine what an Indian casino experience can be.
For more information about our services, visit our About Us page, explore our Casino Games , or reach out through our Contact Us page. To understand our legal policies, please review our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy . For quick answers to common questions, check our FAQs section.