Casinos Contributed Rs 1,277.29 Cr To Goa Government Since 2012, Reveals CM Pramod Sawant

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has revealed in the House that the casino industry across both North and South Goa has contributed a combined sum of 1277.29 crore to the State exchequer in the last nine years.

After Goa CM Pramod Sawant revealed the draft rule that the locals will not be allowed inside the Goan Casinos from February 1, after the issue was fielded by the oppositions and several local organisations, MLA Luizinho Faleiro further asked Sawant regarding the revenue generated from the industry.

The Chief Minister revealed that offshore casinos generated Rs 785,52,97,280 to State revenue while contribution of onshore casinos was Rs 491,76,56,198 till January 20, 2021 which combined to the tune of Rs 1277,29,53,478 in the last nine years.

For the longest time, River Mandovi has been the onshore site for the Goan casinos but the move from the place to the land allocated to MOPA Greenfield International Airport was under consideration for quite a while.

Responding to the question tabled by MLA Atanasio Monserrate, Sawant said that the Captain of Ports are exploring the possibilities of relocating all the four offshore Casinos & one passenger vessel from river Mandovi to another sheltered locality/rivers within the jurisdiction of the Inland Waterways of Goa.

Various inspections have already been undertaken by the COP and several sites within the Inland Waterways have been verified for relocating the offshore Casino/ Passenger vessels. River Mandovi, River Zuari and River Chapora are the recommended sites for the relocation.