Casino policy to be ready by Aug-end

NT NETWORK

PANAJI

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday told the state legislative assembly that the government will prepare casino policy and also identify zones to shift offshore casinos by August-end.

Parrikar said the licences to offshore casinos will be issued provided they grant their willingness within a year’s time from the date of policy declaration to shift their operations to the designated zones in four years’ time.

The issuance of licences for casino operations at the designated zones can be considered for the tenure of 10-15 years, taking into account the huge investment required for the purpose.

“The gaming commissioner shall be appointed by December-end. We will place a mechanism and formulate appropriate

rules and regulations once the gaming commissioner is appointed to ensure that no Goans is  allowed to enter the casino playing areas except the visiting tourists. We will also consider a clause authorising offshore casino to ‘extinguish’ by the legislature method if required,” he said.