Goa Casinos Given Another Six-Month Extension

Goa casinos were on Thursday once again handed a six-month extension to operate on the River Mandovi - this time until 31 March 2020. The latest six-month extension was set to expire on 30 September.

In 2013, the BJP-led government decided to relocate the six offshore casinos, but successive state administrations have failed to identify a suitable spot for this. Several potential sites have been opposed by locals and politicians alike.

The casinos have therefore existed in a precarious state of continuous six-month extensions since March 2014.

All Goa casinos remain closed since they were ordered shut in March as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic. While many other sectors are beginning to reopen, there has been no word on when casinos will be allowed to open their doors.

In June 2020, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said casinos would not open soon.