Fees rise for third straight year
The state government of Goa in India has granted yet another extension to a fleet of offshore casinos that have been repeatedly ordered to relocate from the Mandovi River.
The previous relocation order, which came from the former government of Laxmikant Parsekar, had mandated that the five offshore boats move by March 31, according to Outlook India. Not only has that deadline been pushed back to September 30, but the cabinet also granted permission to a sixth offshore casino vessel to operate. This one will be run by Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd., which has received permission to operate on the Mandovi for the same time period.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told the Hindu the latest extension occurred in part because the state was in a transitional post-election period. “As the election code of conduct was in place, the government could not take any decision. The government will now identify alternate sites in three months for the boats’ relocation,” he said.
According to the Herald Goa, the fees levied by the state on onshore and offshore casinos have increased for the third consecutive year due to pressure from an active anti-casino lobby. The budget office also raised license renewal fees.
