Goa grants six-month extension to river casinos

government of Goa, India, has revealed this week it has approved a six-month extension for offshore casinos located in the Mandovi River.

The green light was given to the state’s five operational casinos anchored off Panaji and official sources have confirmed that a final decision would soon be taken regarding their relocation.

Sources suggest that relocation could take place in the premises of the under-construction Mopa International Airport in Pernem, around 45km from Panaji, where a special entertainment zone is being created.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar urged the people not to "draw a wrong meaning" on the decision taken by his cabinet. He said that the decision was in line with the promise made by himself during the monsoon session of the state assembly. The Chief Minister had previously promised a new policy to relocate the offshore casinos from the river.

"We have extended by six months, but I don't think I require six months. By December as promised, we should be able to come out with a main policy," Parrikar commented.

Moreover, the rest of Goa’s land-based casinos, located at luxurious hotels, remain fully operational.