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Goa Government To Issue Casino Tickets Under New Rules?

As per a news report, the Goa state government’s finance department is reviewing the Goa Public Gambling Rules, 2022, draft, which aims to regulate the functioning of casino operations in the state. 

Earlier this year, the Home Department had finalized a set of rules for the casinos, which were reportedly submitted to Goa Chief Minister (CM), Pramod Sawant. The final approval is awaited from the CM who also holds the finance portfolio. 

The rules suggested by the Home Department lay out a host of dos and don’ts. One of the rules seeks to implement a ban on the locals from entering the casinos in the state. A proposal for the same was initially suggested in 2012. In October 2021, the Bombay High Court had upheld the ban on locals entering casinos in Goa. Several other rules will bring standard operating procedures (SOPs) to all the casinos across the state.

When the new rules come into action the gaming commissioner will have the authority to issue entry tickets to casinos. Currently the job of issuing tickets is being played by the casino operators themselves. News reports state that the new rules will allow the commissioner to order the closure or seal any casino situated in a five-star property or can also take custody of any casino vessel if any rules are violated.

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The gaming commissioner will also maintain a record of the number of visitors. A Senior official was reportedly quoted saying, “The next day, the gaming commissioner will be able to check the inventory to find how many people entered a casino.”

Interestingly, over three years ago, the state of Goa appointed a Gaming Commissioner in March 2019. However, due to the absence of any standard rules, his duties as a gaming commissioner were not defined till date. The new rules will also help in defining his roles.

Currently, the Home Department is responsible for the casino licensing and collection of annual recurring fees from the casinos. Once the draft is approved and the new rules are in place, the gaming commissioner will be in charge of monitoring the casino operations.

The Home Department currently looks into the complaints that are made against the casinos. The official said that implementing the proposed rules would empower the gaming commissioner to take cognizance and act accordingly. 

For more news and updates, keep reading Gutshot Magazine. If you’re on social media, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Telegram.

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