Vizag approval seems likely
The Indian state of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, also known as Vizag, may become the fourth in the country to legalize casinos. The World Casino Directory reports that a proposal to launch a legal gaming framework is likely to get the nod soon.
WCD reports that two casino operators from Goa and one from Malaysia are currently in talks with the Andhra Pradesh government to develop a casino. “It could be a right move at the right time as it gives an international character to the city and associated tourist segments,” according to a statement from Maruthi Sanker, managing director of IT firm 7Seas Technologies. “Corporates will be much interested in the business. The potential tourism traffic from Asia, which is otherwise Macau, Las Vegas and Singapore-bound, can be attracted to Visakhapatnam.”
While the state government seems poised to approve casino, opposition is likely from parties such as the conservative Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
But real estate developers are understandably elated. “My friends used flock to Macau earlier, now they are trying out casinos in Colombo. Proximity matters a lot. (A) Vizag casino will be a super hit,” K. Kiran Kumar, a builder from Visakhapatnam, told TheHindu.com.
The website adds that the state is offering an investment subsidy of 20 percent on basic infrastructure excluding land to encourage ancillary businesses in the adventure-leisure category such as sailing, wind surfing, scuba diving, water skiing, seaplane services and cruise lines.
