Karnataka   

Campaign against Goa casinos begins

PANAJI: The discontent among the people against casinos is set to surface as representatives of various organisations, including women’s groups under the aegis of Aaam Aurat Admi Against Gambling (AAAAG), will hold a token dharna here on Friday to oppose the setting up of casinos in the State.

AAAAG has launched a signature campaign throughout the State demanding that the amendments to the Goa Gambling (Prevention) Act permitting casino gambling be repealed, all permissions given to casinos be revoked and strict action be taken against all forms of gambling.

The State allowed five star resorts to operate casinos while four off-shore casinos were recently issued licences in addition to one operating in State’s inland waters. Following intense public pressure, the Government said that it would amend the rules to ensure that the offshore vessels were sent away in the sea to operate their casinos.

A memorandum signed by over 1,000 people, opposing the setting up of casinos in the State, was handed over to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat early this week by a delegation of representatives from various organisations under the banner of AAAAG.

The memorandum apprehended that casinos attracted undesirable people such as mafia, drug peddlers.

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