No entry in casinos for Goans by Feb-end: CM

TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has stated that gambling rules which ban the entry of Goans on both land and sea casinos, will be implemented by February-end.
From March 1 onwards, all casino goers will have to show some proof to be allowed entry into casinos, according to the new rules frame under the Goa Gaming Act. The rules are likely to be notified by February 28.
The Public Services Guarantee Act too would come into force with a pilot run of some 15 – 20 services to be covered, the chief minister said while addressing media Thursday.
“No Goan will be allowed on casinos. Only
tourist will be allowed and they have to prove that they are tourists,” he said, adding that there will be certain parameters.
On the appointment of a gambling commissioner, Parrikar said that he would be appointed by then and initially most likely he would be the collector..
The new rules show that those who want to enter into casinos have to prove that they have to come to Goa as tourists and would have to show some sort of identity from where they are or where they are living or in which hotel they have put up.
Goa has five offshore casinos and at least 12 hotel-based casinos.
The chief minister also said that as a pilot project of the Public Services Guarantee Act, rules would be introduced initially for 10 to 20 services.
“I can assure you that the act will be made applicable by February 28,” he said adding that initially the services that will come under this will be services that are most commonly needed. or where cases where people have to go frequently to the authorities.
“By June, July major departments will come under its purview and by December-end I want to implement the act fully,” he said. The Public Services Act guarantees time-bound delivery of services.