Karnataka   

Another vessel arrives to operate as casino

PANAJI: Even as the public protests against offshore casinos are growing louder in Goa, yet another vessel has arrived in the Mandovi here waiting for the grant of an offshore casino licence.

“Pride of Goa”, the biggest of the vessels waiting to operate a casino, arrived on Saturday. It belongs to the Goa Coastal Resorts and Recreation Private Ltd.

Two other offshore casinos, Caravela (which is operational) and Leela, which had to shift to the Mandovi after being eased out of the Sal in south Goa following opposition from local people a few months ago, are currently licensed in river. Much to the concern of the Government, the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded amendment to the Gambling (Prevention) Act to stop permitting operation of offshore casinos. The management of the vessel has informed the office of the Captain of Ports about the arrival of the vessel.

According to the law, a 48-hour notice has to be given to the government authorities before any vessel is brought in the State waters, sources in the Government said on Saturday. However, no confirmation on whether the newly arrived vessel has been granted licence to operate in the State waters was available till Sunday.

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