State may add sixth offshore casino
The gaming industry in Goa has often been charged with exerting too much political influence. With elections in the Indian state slated for February 4, Chief Electoral Officer Shri Kunal is warning the casino industry to stay out of politicking and not launder money for political parties.
“They can carry on with their legal business, but should not allow themselves to be used to park or distribute money for any political party or candidate,” Kunal said at a press conference. “If casinos are used to violate the norms, then strict action would be initiated against them.”
According to the website Yogonet.com, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has accused Goa’s casinos of cheating the government of Rs4,000 crore (US$40 billion) in tax revenues every year. He also says Congress, the Bharata Janata Party and Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar are in bed with the casino lobby in tourism-oriented states.
“The actual tax collection from the casino industry in Goa should be Rs4,000 crore. How much does the Goa government get? Rs200 crore. If government ministers and officers are cheating the government treasury of Rs4,000 crore, can you imagine how much money they are pocketing?” he said. “In 2012, Parrikar said when the BJP comes to power, all casinos will be done away with. Why did he forget this when he came to power? He must have got a share of the casino revenue spoils.”
Goa has five offshore and nine land-based casinos. According to the Asia Gaming Brief, despite well-publicized local resistance the government is now considering licensing a sixth offshore casino.
