Offshore Gaming Providers Face Casino License Problems in Goa

Goa government looks to deny casino licenses for offshore gaming firms that that won’t move out of the Mandovi river.



According to gambling news, Goa’s Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar conveyed his intention of not renewing the casino licenses issued to casino boats that will not direct their operations away from Mandovi.



Parrikar stressed his points at the state Legislative Assembly where he explained the intended process. “All the vessels will move out in next two years. If they don’t move out, their license would not be renewed.” This entails that once the offshore casinos clear out of the Mandovi, they will have to carefully select their point of anchoring for the vessels.

A total of four vessels have licenses

Independent Legislator Rohan Khaunte initially brought the issue to light at the House, as he expressed concern about the safety guidelines for passengers that go aboard the gaming vessels. It is expected that the issue will take some time to be resolved, considering there are several key points to go over and discuss at the House.



Laxmikant Parsekar, Captain of Ports department minister at Goa, issued a written statement to the Legislative Assembly stating that licenses were granted to a total of four vessels with gambling services. He also added in the letter that all the boats, that have some of the best Indian poker rooms, had fitness certificates that expire at end of 2014 and in 2015.