Goa’s offshore casinos get six-month extension

Casinos will remain in their current location on the Mandovi River until September 30.

India.- Goa’s state cabinet has granted a six-month extension for off-shore casinos to continue to operate on the Mandovi River in Panaji until September 30.

There are six floating casinos located on the Mandovi River. They reopened in November at 50 per cent capacity following closure due to Covid-19 countermeasures.

The state government wants to relocate the casinos to another location, but Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said they will remain where they are until an alternative location is found.

The Goa Forward Party has suggested creating an entertainment zone near the upcoming international airport at Mopa in northern Goa and moving the casinos there.

According to Sawant, offshore casinos have paid US$108m in taxes since 2012.