The casinos have to pay for the next quarter before this quarter ends along with 12% interest for the period of delay. Those who do not pay will not be given entry passes. No one can go those casinos. The sales tax commissioner is being directed accordingly, Parrikar said.
The chief minister also said that following his government's threat to act against illegal casinos and those that had not paid their fees, four casinos have paid up. He said that some casinos are not due to pay the fees yet. He explained that in casinos, the fees are due from the date of license and not like bar licenses which are valid from April 1 to March 31.
Parrikar said that the Intercontinental grand resort Goa, Canacona, has not renewed its casino license. He also said that the Radisson white sand has not renewed its casino license. He also said that one offshore casino-M V Leela of the Golden globe hotels private limited-has not paid the fees and stopped operations. Its casino license is valid but it has not paid recurring fees. In another two hotels, one has stopped operating its casino despite its license being valid, and the other hotel has requested to allow them to pay in instalments, Parrikar said.
He claimed that his casino policy was having the desired effect. He said the target of his policy was very clear which is to reduce the number of casinos. "Overall, I think casinos have reduced by quite a number. Slowly, they may reduce to a single digit," he said.