Who Owns Big Daddy Casino? The Full Story of India’s Largest Offshore Casino
When you step aboard the magnificent Big Daddy Casino floating on the Mandovi River in Goa, you’re experiencing the vision of one man who rose from humble beginnings to become a political powerhouse and the undisputed “casino king” of India’s coastal gambling hub. The answer to who owns Big Daddy Casino is Gopal Kanda – a self-made businessman, former Haryana minister, and the first casino owner in India to win a legislative assembly election.
But the full story of ownership is far more fascinating than a simple name. It involves a sprawling business empire, a dramatic journey from school dropout to millionaire, and a floating palace that spans 90,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment space. Let’s dive into the complete story of who owns Big Daddy Casino and how this spectacular offshore destination came to be.
Who is Gopal Kanda? The Man Behind Big Daddy Casino
Gopal Kanda is a Haryana politician, businessman, and the primary owner of Big Daddy Casino. Born on December 29, 1965, to Murli Dhar Kanda, a lawyer, Gopal Kanda’s early life was far from privileged. He dropped out of school and started his own repair shop for radio handsets in the early 1990s.
From those modest beginnings, Kanda transformed himself into one of Haryana’s wealthiest politicians. His journey has seen him work as an electrician, shoe shop owner, real estate broker, car dealer, and airline owner before finding his true calling in the casino business. Today, he is recognized as the ‘gambling mogul’ of Goa.
The MDLR Group Connection
Gopal Kanda’s business empire is built around the MDLR Group (Murli Dhar Lakh Ram Group), a diversified conglomerate that has its fingers in multiple industries. The group has interests in real estate, construction, shopping malls, resorts, hotels, multiplexes, restaurants, mass media, educational institutions, and consumer electronics.
Big Daddy Casino is owned through Golden Globe Hotels Private Limited, a company that is part of the MDLR Group of Companies. This company was incorporated in 2008 and is engaged in casino, entertainment, and restaurant operations off the coast of the Mandovi River in Panaji, Goa.
The Operating Company: Golden Globe Hotels Private Limited
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 operates 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.
Collaborative Ownership
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 a massive gaming floor featuring 110 tables.
The Vessel: 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, injuring several crew members. 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 Grand Launch
The new vessel that houses Big Daddy Casino was launched on May 9, 2019, with an 11-day “Opening Extravaganza” that continued through May 19. The launch was attended by Bollywood superstar Sanjay Dutt, who praised the casino for its contribution to Goa’s tourism.
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
Gopal Kanda’s Entry into the Casino Business
The Early Years: Casino Rio
Gopal Kanda’s journey into the casino business began in 2009 when he purchased an offshore casino licence from Hotel Leelaventure. He entered the casino business in Goa using the vessel MV Leela and ran the casino under the brand “Casino Rio” from 2009 to 2011 on the Mandovi River.
His MDLR Group bought the offshore casino ‘Rio’ from the Leela Group for a sum close to Rs 30 crore and renamed it as Mint Cruise Casino.
The Evolution to Big Daddy
The journey from Mint Cruise Casino to Big Daddy Casino was marked by several transitions. In 2013, the casino operations took a pause, and it wasn’t until 2018 that the business reopened under the new brand “Big Daddy”.
The name “Big Daddy” was chosen to reflect the ambition of creating Asia’s largest offshore gaming destination. And true to its name, Big Daddy Casino has become a symbol of luxury, entertainment, and world-class gaming in India.
A Historic Achievement: The First Casino Owner to Win an Election
In a remarkable milestone for the Indian gaming industry, Gopal Kanda made history by becoming the first casino owner to win an election in India. He won a seat in the Haryana legislative assembly elections in 2019.
This achievement underscored the growing legitimacy and acceptance of the casino industry in India. Kanda 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.
His political career includes serving as a cabinet minister in the Bhupinder Singh Hooda government. Despite facing legal challenges throughout his career, including cases for abetment to suicide, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, income tax evasion, and check bouncing, Kanda has maintained his political influence and business success.
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.
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 ED investigation revealed that poker chips were being provided to customers in lieu of foreign currency.
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.
The Casino Experience: What Makes Big Daddy Casino Special?
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.
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.
As Narinder Punj, the Chief Visionary Officer of Big Daddy Casino, explained: “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.”
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.
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.
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, 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.
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