PANJIM: Despite the cabinet decision to shift offshore casino vessels out of River Mandovi by March 31, the State government is still not clear on relocating the vessels. Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Wednesday told the State Legislative Assembly that the matter is still “under consideration”.
Replying to a question on whether government intends to relocate the offshore casinos, Parsekar said the matter is under examination. Parsekar, who holds the Home portfolio, also said that identification of alternative sites for relocating the vessels is under examination.
“The Council of Ministers in the XVIIth Cabinet Meeting held on August 28, 2015 after deliberation resolved for extension to the offshore casino licensees to relocate their offshore casinos from River Mandovi for a further period from August 30, 2015 to March 31, 2016 or till an alternative site is finalized by the government, whichever is earlier,” the Chief Minister said when asked whether the government has adopted any policy on offshore casinos after expiry of licenses.
The State has four offshore casinos at present in River Mandovi. In the last three years till December 2015, the Home department has collected revenue of around Rs 80 crore from all four offshore casinos.
The question was tabled by the Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai.
Responding to the government assurance to ban Goans from entering casinos, Parsekar said the rules are being drafted and the same would be notified once finalized.
As per the information tabled, the State has ten land casinos, with the government receiving three more applications from MKM Grand Gaming and Entertainment, Goan Recreation Clubs Pvt Ltd and Eden Estates and Leisure Pvt Ltd.
