Goa Ports Minister Michael Lobo Advocates For Offshore Casinos to Remain in the Mandovi

Michael Lobo
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  • Attreyee Khasnabis February 19, 2020
  • 2 Minutes Read

Goa has been at the center of some political turmoil of late. Just a day after the Section 144 notification was prematurely withdrawn in North Goa, news came through that Ports Minister Michael Lobo (cover image) was advocating for the offshore casinos to continue operating from the River Mandovi.

On February 19, Lobo told reporters that the offshore casinos should not be shifted out of the Mandovi river, and suggested that more such vessels should be introduced in other rivers in the state.

Being an MLA of the ruling BJP-led government, Lobo’s statement is a stark contrast to the stand taken by his party. The state government has assured to relocate the offshore casinos from the Mandovi river in Panaji after opposition from locals.

Lobo justified his statement claiming that the casino industry helps Goa’s economy and generates employment. He went on to say, “I still remember our former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar saying that the state is not dependent on the money collected (as taxes) from casinos. But I am saying opposite to it.”

“We get revenue from the casinos after charging fees for annual renewal of their license. In addition, we also get revenue in the form of GST from them. Every year the renewal fees is levied by departments like Excise, Food and Drugs Administration and others,” he added.

Lobo also claimed that the casino industry gives employment to over 400 people in the state. “It is generating employment for Indians. We need to understand that this industry cannot be just stopped overnight.”

With the industry helping in employment generation and strengthening the economy through tourism, Lobo advocated for more casinos to be introduced in the region.

“I would say that more casinos should be introduced in other places like the Chapora river (in North Goa) and the Zuari river (in South Goa),” he said.

However, he also cautioned that MLAs representing constituencies around those rivers have opposed the introduction of casinos, “as people are objecting to it.”

“But introducing casinos in these rivers will help revive the economy of the state. Casinos will come in these rivers in years to come. People will realise it is part of the industry. If you want to grow the industry, then you will have to allow it,” he explained.

Sharing his opinion on casinos being shifted to the upcoming international airport at Mopa in North Goa district, Lobo said, “Mopa can be a different set up all together, we can have a live gaming zone there. But in my opinion, the casinos should continue in the Mandovi river.”

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