Six offshore casinos in Goa lose trade licences

A civic body in Panaji decided not to renew trade licences of six offshore casinos located in the Mandovi river, in Goa.

India.- The Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) revealed the decision to not renew trade licences of six offshore casinos in Goa. The facilities are operating in the Mandovi river, and the decision forces them to move out of the jurisdiction at the end of the current term.

Mayor Uday Madkaikar said that the decision helps move the casinos out of Mandovi river. The CCP held a meeting on Monday and reached the decision not to renew the trade licences, local media reported.

The trade licenses of the offshore casinos have been renewed for the current financial year. However, once they expire, the CCP will not renew them. This decision applies to all casinos operating in the Mandovi.

The casinos have recently received another extension to relocate. The new extension starts on October 1 and ends on March 31 or until an alternate feasible site emerges. However, if the state manages to find a site before March 31, they could relocate before that date, IANS reported.

Ports Minister says an operator is willing to relocate inland

Ports Minister Michael Lobo says one company may be willing to leave its vessel for a land-based venue. “One of the operators has shown willingness to move his casino. Now, we have to check its feasibility before taking a decision,” Lobo said.