Special Correspondent
Panaji
The state government has amended the rules governing casinos by introducing stricter provisions on licence fee payments and entry restrictions at gaming areas in five-star hotels and offshore vessels.
Under the amended notification issued by the Home Department, casino operators who delay payment of the annual recurring licence fee will have to pay penal interest at the rate of 18 per cent per annum on the outstanding amount.
The state legislative Assembly was informed about the pending revenue from different casinos in Goa standing at Rs 350 crore, of which Rs 110 crore was held up due to court cases. Responding to this information, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had said, “Recovery process is on, and properties of the casinos would be seized if they fail to pay the dues.”
The notification also reiterated that persons below 21 years of age will not be allowed entry into designated gaming areas where electronic gaming machines, slot machines or table games are installed/operated, in a five-star hotel or vessel.
In addition, the government has revised the definition of “designated licensed places/areas” to clarify that gaming activities can be conducted only in segregated, access-controlled areas within five-star hotels or vessels.
“Designated licensed places/areas means a separated area in a five-star hotel or vessel partitioned with access control where the licensee is authorised to install and operate electronic amusements/ slot machines or table games,” the notification stated.
The amendments have come into force with immediate effect.
