Responding to a query by Vijay Sardesai in the assembly, Goa CM said the government has no plans to implement the Gaming Commission in the State. The proposal to have Nevada style gaming commission is in discussions since the regime of Congress government headed by Digambar Kamat.

The CM also said that necessary action under the gambling act will be taken against the online casinos which are illegal under the current law.

Speaking about the casinos in the river Mandovi, the Chief Minister said no plans are under consideration to shift the casinos. “As regards to shifting of offshore casinos from River Mandovi vide Notification No. 21/2/2013- HD(G)/3495 dated 30/09/2021 this department has allowed the offshore Casinos to operate in the River Mandovi till 30/09/2022 or till an alternate site is notified by the Government, whichever is earlier, subject to the condition that such license is in force during such period,” the CM responded in the capacity of holding home portfolio.

Responding to queries by Viresh Borkar MLA, the CM in the assembly said there are no restriction for onshore casinos but no more offshore casinos will be permitted in the state. The CM said there are a total of 19 casinos operating in the State.

In a related news, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) on Friday announced a 100% hike in sewage monitoring fees for offshore casinos. The board has fixed Rs 10,000 per trip on working days and Rs 12,000 per trip on holidays and non-working days. There are a total of six casinos on the Mandovi river.