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Goa Casinos under strict scrutiny ahead of polls

Casinos in Goa are a big deal in the state since it is a source of major tax revenue for the region. Goa is often called the gambling capital of the country since most of the big casinos are situated in the state.

Now, in recent breaking news, the Election Commission of India (ECI), the apex central government body which concerns itself with all the elections taking place in the country, including the upcoming 2019 General Elections (GE), has decided that every Goan casino will be strictly monitored head of the 2019 GE polls.

Nodal Officer for Expenditure Monitoring in the EC, Rajesh Kumar commented, “All state agencies dealing with casinos will be asked to be alert as part of the monitoring process for money laundering. Casinos will have to comply with rules and regulations. The ECI is also in touch with banks to monitor online transaction during the election process.”

The decision was made to prevent any money laundering and other illegal activities taking place in the casinos ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Goa has 11.31 Lakh voters and they will all vote for the 2 Lok Sabha seats for Goa. 3 assembly seats (Mandrem, Shiroda and Mapusa) by-polls are also upcoming in the state and will be held on 23^rd April 2019 along with the LS seats.

Kumar said that the ECI will also keep a tab on routine crimes including matka, narcotics and also the bulk purchases of certain items during the poll period. “There are laid-down guidelines for casinos… If someone is going with cash, he should have a PAN card and whether the PAN card is being recorded there (at the casino’s end). Whatever norms there are will be enforced. We will maintain a vigil on items purchased from markets in large volume or quantity.  We will monitor monetary transactions taking place online or through any other medium” added Kumar.

Currently, there are 6 off-shore and 9 on-shore casinos operating in Goa from the state’s numerous coastal resorts. This type of security measures are always taken ahead of the General Elections which ensures that the voting is held successfully. Keep reading GutshotMagazine.com for more such industry news and for general casino-related news from around the world.

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