TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The news that the government may give more casino licences has invoked sharp reactions from politicos in the affected areas.
BJP’s Calangute MLA Michael Lobo has opposed any new casinos in his constituency and is pushing for those that exist to be phased out. He has also said that he was opposed to casinos anywhere in the State.
In the other area where a casino is allegedly coming up – St Andre – there has been a sharp reaction, albeit from the opposition. Former MLA and revenue minister Dr Carmo Pegado opposed a casino in his former constituency arguing that it is detrimental to the youth.
Lobo on Thursday said, “I am opposing any further casinos in Goa but especially in Calangute. People of the constituency will oppose any casinos. We will not allow this. The youth will come out on the streets.”
According to him the licenses already given are enough. “Our youth are going to casinos with money. One should sit in the casinos and see what is happening. It has become a habit for some youth,” he said, in a thought echoed by Pegado.
“We have seen lots of Goans, especially the young, falling prey to the casino culture and ruining their life. Casinos have reached a saturation point and hence government must immediately desist in allowing more casinos in Goa, especially in St Andre constituency,” Pegado said.
Lobo went a step further saying that the government should take a policy decision giving casino operators time to close down and ultimately shut them down.
“In my constituency there are already two land-based casinos and I don’t want more in my constituency,” Lobo said. He pointed out that small businessmen and youth in the tourism business in Calangute, Candolim and Baga are seen in the two casinos where they empty their pockets.
