Gaming in Mumbai was illegal for many years. The Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949 banned the practice in Maharashtra. As a result of this ban, Mumbai became home to some of the largest underground casinos in Asia. This activity carried on undisturbed right beneath the nose of authorities. Gaming zones in Mumbai were often situated in high-rise buildings. The following are some of these gaming zones:
1. Opera House
This is the most famous one in South Mumbai. The building resembles the New York skyscrapers. It was meant for commercial complexes but later converted into an illegal casino.
2. Grand Paradi Towers
This complex houses Asia’s largest casino spread over three towers. There are about 2 dozen gaming tables and slot machines located here which operate 24×7.
3. Peninsula Towers
This is another high-rise building in South Mumbai which houses a few illegal casinos on its premises.
4. Diamond Bourse
This is a commercial complex situated in MIDC, Andheri. It was once the hub of the city’s diamond trade but now houses many illegal casinos and gaming zones.
5. Trade Towers
This commercial complex is also in MIDC, Andheri. It houses a few casinos and gaming zones on its premises.
6. Inorbit Mall
This is a shopping mall in Malad. It houses a casino and a few gaming zones on its premises. In addition to that, it also has a movie theater, food court and a gaming zone on the top floor.
7. Gold Souk Mall
This is a shopping mall in Andheri. It houses two casinos and three gaming zones on its premises. This mall is especially popular among the younger crowd.
8. Phoenix Mills
This is a textile mill which has been converted into a retail and entertainment hub. It houses many pubs, restaurants and gaming zones.
9. R city Mall
This is a mall in Ghatkopar. It houses two casinos and three gaming zones on its premises.
10. Big Cinemas
This is a movie theater chain which has many branches all over the city. In addition to movies, it also screens live sporting events and houses a few gaming zones on its premises.
11. Paradise Cinema
This is one of the oldest movie theaters in South Mumbai. It was converted into a pub till recently but has now been returned to its previous avatar as a movie theater with the addition of a gaming zone.
12. Metro Junction Mall
This mall houses two casinos and three gaming zones on its premises. This mall caters to the needs of people living in Mulund and Bhandup.
13. R City Mall Ghatkopar East
This mall houses two casinos and three gaming zones on its premises. It caters to the needs of people who live in Ghatkopar east.
14. Palladium Mall
This is a mall in Lower Parel. It houses two casinos and three gaming zones on its premises. This mall caters to the needs of people living in Parel, Elphinstone Road and surrounding areas.
15. Oberoi Mall
This is an upscale mall situated in Goregaon East. It houses two casinos and three gaming zones on its premises. This mall caters to the needs of people living in Goregaon and surrounding areas.
16. Lokhandwala Complex
This is a commercial complex situated in Andheri West. It houses a few casinos and gaming zones on its premises.
These are some of the most popular gaming in Mumbai. Some gaming zones in Mumbai of them are legal, the majority of them operate illegally. The state government has been trying to crackdown on these illegal casinos but with little success. In addition to the above-mentioned places, there are many other smaller gaming zones located in various parts of the city.
