Goa govt gives offshore casinos another six month extension

The Goa state cabinet approved yet another six month extension for offshore casinos to stay in the River Mandovi, as per media reports.

As per media reports, the cabinet approved the extension for the six offshore casinos to remain anchored in the River Mandovi until 31st March, 2020.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant however added that the casinos have been granted the extension pending a final decision on the issue, which will be done before the end of the extension period. “We will decide in the next six months what will be our final policy decision on casinos,” Sawant informed reporters.

Ports Minister Michael Lobo informed the reporters that a long term policy relating to casinos has to come up within the next few months. He further opined that a final decision would be taken in consultation with MLAs and ministers and noted that the casino industry, which has made big investments in the state cannot be expected to survive on ad-hoc extensions.

Earlier in the week, Lobo had stated that one of the offshore casino operators had expressed willingness to shift out of River Mandovi to the area between Aguada and Coco beach.

He added that the Ports Department will conduct inspection as to the feasibility of the location.