Amidst ongoing campaigns to stop the casino industry in the State, the government has stated it is open to replace the existing offshore casino vessels with ships, preferably bigger in size. This however, it has emphasized, does not mean permitting additional casino vessels in River Mandovi.
Ports Minister Michael Lobo, on Wednesday told reporters that the Ports Administration is considering accepting proposal from a casino firm for substituting its existing small-size vessel with a bigger one. “We have received an application to replace their small vessel into a bigger one. The application is under consideration. I do not remember which firm but… I think its Deltin…” he said on the sidelines of a press conference at Chief Minister’s Official residence, Altinho.
The minister has in fact kept the doors open for existing casino vessels to apply for replacement of their ship, if any. “Any casino vessel can apply for a larger ship and we will decide on that application,” he said quickly adding, “No seventh casino will be allowed in River Mandovi.”
He explained that with a bigger-sized ship, all the required tax would go up, which will in turn increase revenue to the State government.
The minister has often extended his support to the casinos already in operational citing employment and tourism. He has been quoted stating, “Only six casinos will remain. Seventh will never come and as long as I am the Ports Minister I will not give permission to the seventh casino.”
