M V Casino Royale and M V Arabian Sea King

Goa government orders closure of two off shore casinos

2011-02-01
Reading time 52 seg


Casino Royale is owned by M/s Highstreet Cruises and Entertainment, while MV Arabian Sea King belongs to M/s VictorHotels and Motels.

The government order, signed by under secretary (Home) VP Dangi, said that both the casinos have violated Goa Anti-Gambling Act, which makes it mandatory for off shore casinos to have licence from the DGS. Following the order, any gambling activity on the vessel becomes unauthorised as the operation of slot machines and gaming tables have been asked to be stopped, officials said.

The order has also been referred to state police, excise department and department of commercial taxes for action from their side. Officials said that both the casino managements were issued show cause notices on December 12, 2010 and given seven days time to respond on the issue of DG shipping licence.

Both the managements had sought additional time to furnish the licences, which was not granted by the Homedepartment, a senior official added.Of the six off shore casinos operating in Mandovi river,one was closed earlier by the state Home Ministry for violating the laws. With the closure of two more, just three floating casinos are left in the river, which flows along Panaji.

Off shore casinos in Goa have been facing opposition from civil activists, who have been seeking a ban on them for projecting Goa as a gambling destination.  

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