Six-Month Extension Has Been Given To Operate in Goa Casinos

Wednesday’s decision of Goa State Government is the latest extension given to the casino.Goa’s floating casinos have been given a further extension of six months, allowing them to remain on the Mandovi River – or at least until 30 September.

The government has been trying to find alternative waterway locations for river casinos for many years, but each proposal has met with opposition from residents. The alternative plan to bring casinos on-line has never been properly outlined and is also likely to be opposed, leaving the river casino industry in a state of uncertainty.

Goa, like the rest of India, is currently following a coronovirus shutdown that may have played a role in the decision to extend the license. Some casinos are hosting foreign nationals stranded in the country as a result of border closures. And others are boosting their reputation by donating cash and food to support epidemic relief efforts, according to the Kelvin Report.

Goa is one of only three Indian states that allow casinos. Some land-based Goa casinos are in upscale hotels, but many operate offshore. Other states that allow casinos are Daman and Sikkim. However, many Indians prefer to play online gambling with operators located outside the country and, therefore, are not obliged to follow strict Indian gambling law.