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Offshore casinos in Goa to shift to land in 4 years

The constant issue regarding the shifting of offshore casinos from Mandovi River in Goa is heightened every now and then, further arising debates between the political parties. The issue keeps evolving, dragging and extending deadlines for a few years now. Recently a senior government official declared that all offshore casinos in Goa will be shifted to land within a period of four years.

Last week, the Saligao Goa Forward Party (GFP) MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar said that nobody would be profiting from shifting the casinos to the Verem side of River Mandovi and further threatening to go on a ‘Rasta-Roko’ protest. However, the natives of both Verem and Saligao strongly opposed the measure asserting the adverse effect on the fishing community.

The new report indicates that after the casinos move to land, the vessels in which they resided will be allowed to remain on the Mandovi River itself for tourism purposes. The recent revelation also states that casinos may shift to near the Captain of Ports jetty which would further help in navigation.

In addition to this, the casinos will have to issue a written assurance to the government to move out of the Mandovi River, the failure of doing which would lead to their licenses not being renewed. This state government’s casino policy will be issued in January 2020.

The senior official stated, “The casino policy will come out in early January and the Goa Gambling Act will be amended in the budget session. Within six months of the amendment being passed, offshore casino companies must give in writing that they will shift to an onshore site selected by them within four years.”

Party spokesperson Tulio D’Souza said, “The government has not paid attention to the fishermen who live there and who use that place for fishing.” Making sure that the natives intended the offshore casinos to be completely removed and rather than moving them on the other side of the river.

The locals of Reis Magos are staunchly opposing the entire decision of the government. For the latest updates on poker news and industry, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com and stay tuned!

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