Facing flak for reports of locals ruining their lives through gambling, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar reiterated his pledge that local Goans will not be allowed to enter casinos from February 28.
“The casino rules will be finalised by February 28 after which Goans will be banned from entering casinos. Only tourists will be allowed,” Parrikar said speaking about a pledge he had made in the budget session of the Goa Assembly back in 2012. A bill to appoint a gaming commissioner was later passed by the Assembly, but is yet to be implemented.
The Chief Minister also said that the much awaited Gaming Commission would be established by the same date. The Commission has been formed to ensure regulation of the booming casino industry in the State as well as operations and would also serve as an appellate authority in complaints against casinos.
Goa has five operational offshore casinos and nearly a dozen onshore casinos which have given the State the reputation of being India’s sin city. Recently, an individual has been booked and arrested for forging a demand draft to the extent of Rs six crore only to fuel his gambling addiction.