Goa Casinos Shut for Gandhi Jayanti, Operators Get Short Notice for Closure

A few days back Goa had once again borne the brunt of political hostility, with the Congress demanding the closure of casinos on Oct 2, Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti.

On Wednesday, the ruling BJP government instructed all licensed casinos in the state to suspend gaming operations on Gandhi Jayanti, in deference to the leader.

Neetal Amonkar, Home Secretary signed and released the order on Wednesday morning, which stated, ‘casinos licensees shall stop the operation of the casinos’ for 24 hours, starting midnight from Oct 2.

The order evoked a flurry of angry responses from casino operators, many who had already accepted guest bookings. Operators were also upset, as hotels in Panaji were filled with outstation players, who had come in for the holiday, but would now not be able to play.

Manohar Parrikar, CM explained the abrupt order, late Wednesday evening and said that players already in the casino, would have to leave by 2am and new entries would not be allowed after midnight. Parrikar added that since the decision was taken at the last minute, such a relaxation of time had been given, but warned that henceforth, “This will be an annual feature on October 2 and from next year there will be strict closure.”

Parrikar also said that people could visit casinos and restaurants, however liquor and gaming operations would not be allowed.

Referring to the demand by Alexio Reginaldo, Curtorim Congress MLA and Parrikar said, “It was a sensible demand and I agreed with it, so I accepted it.”

While the closure, which gave operators less than 24 hours notice irked most of them, Shrinivas Nayak, Director, Pride Group was happy with the order, stating that it was a true homage to the Father of the Nation and said that they would, ‘obey the order of the state government.’

Goa currently has 15 onshore and 4 offshore licensed casinos operating.