The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSPCR) has directed the state government to strictly prohibit children below the age of 18 from entering offshore casino vessels and casino premises in the state.
The Commission has also called for strict action against casino operators found violating the Goa Children’s Act, 2003, which contains provisions aimed at protecting children from exploitation and exposure to activities such as gambling.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Goa currently has six offshore gaming vessels operating within a stretch of around one kilometre along the River Mandovi. The casino industry has been a major attraction for tourists and an important source of revenue for the state.
The Commission’s directive follows complaints raised by activists who alleged that children were being allowed to enter offshore casino vessels despite legal restrictions. The complaints highlighted concerns over the exposure of minors to gambling environments.
GSPCR chairperson Shashikant Punaji, in a letter to the Home Secretary dated July 30, said allowing children into casinos amounted to a violation of the Goa Children’s Act, 2003.
According to Punaji, the legislation places a responsibility on the state to protect children from exploitation and specifically makes it an offence to induce a child to gamble or assist in the gambling trade.
The Commission warned that exposing children to gambling environments could adversely affect their physical, mental and moral development.
To ensure effective enforcement, the Commission has asked the government to make age verification mandatory at every entry point to casino premises. Operators should verify visitors using valid government-issued identity documents before allowing them inside.
The GSPCR has also called for prominent signboards at casino entrances carrying the message: “Entry of Children below 18 years is Strictly Prohibited.”
In addition, the Commission has recommended regular inspections by the Police Department and relevant licensing authorities to ensure that casino operators comply with the law.
The direction comes after the state Home Department issued a notification on July 17 prohibiting persons below 21 years from entering the “gaming areas” of casinos. However, the child rights body has sought a wider restriction covering entry into casino vessels and premises, rather than limiting the prohibition only to gaming areas.
Goa’s casino industry has been operating in the state for nearly two decades. The first offshore casino began operations in 1999, and the sector has since expanded to six gaming vessels.
The industry is estimated to generate around ₹1,000 crore annually. It also contributes significantly to the state exchequer through licence fees and State GST. The sector reportedly contributes around ₹400 crore in licence fees and approximately ₹90 crore annually through State GST.
Industry insiders estimate that each offshore casino attracts hundreds of visitors, particularly during weekends, with individual vessels reportedly recording annual turnovers of around ₹120 crore.
While the casino industry remains an important contributor to Goa’s tourism economy and government revenues, the GSPCR has stressed that commercial interests cannot override laws designed to protect children.
The Commission has therefore urged the state government and enforcement agencies to ensure that age restrictions are implemented strictly and that operators found allowing minors into casino premises face appropriate action.
