‘No more permits for casinos in Goa’

PANAJI: Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday assured the state Assembly that no more permissions for casinos — on land and offshore -– would be granted in the state.

Parrikar also told the House that the legislation banning the entry of Goans into offshore casinos, that was enacted in 2012, would be implemented with changes in the next three months.

In yet another announcement, Parrikar also said that the number of offshore casinos on the Mandovi river would be capped to the existing five vessels, which would be shifted to land in the next three years.

The chief minister was responding to various issues related to casinos raised by opposition benches during demands for grants for Home portfolio on the floor of the House.

Parrikar said that in the existing act, the state government has power to cap the number of casinos in a particular area.

“We will use these powers capping the number of off shore casinos in Mandovi river to only five which are existing. The sixth casino will not be allowed,” he said. Parrikar also assured the House that the amendment to the Prevention of Gambling Act would be made during next assembly session which will ensure that all the casinos on the river Mandovi cease to exist after three years.

“We will delete the clause that allows casino on vessel. Offshore casinos will be given an option to move to land in the special entertainment zone where Goans would be banned from entering,” he said. Parrikar also assured the appointment of a gaming commissioner for casinos.