![Goa government extends offshore casinos operations in Mandovi River until March 2027 amid relocation challenges [Representational Image via Indian Express]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GAMBLING-2_463086.webp)
The Goa government Wednesday granted extension to the offshore casinos, currently anchored in river Mandovi off Panaji, to continue operations till March 2027.
Goa has six-offshore casinos on the Mandovi river and over a dozen others that run inside leading five-star hotels. Over the years, the casinos have become an integral part of the state’s tourism and an important revenue generator for the state, drawing both domestic and international tourists.
Addressing the media after chairing a cabinet meeting, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the state cabinet has granted “final” extension to offshore casinos to continue operations in Mandovi river till March 2027.
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Over the years, off-shore casinos have been given several six-month extensions. But the casinos have drawn criticism from locals in Panaji for causing traffic congestion on the riverfront, with successive governments facing calls to have them relocated.
Officials said that additional time to operate the casinos in the river has been given as the authorities are yet to determine a new site for them. Earlier proposals to move them to another part of the Mandovi river near Aguada Jail or to other rivers such as Zuari and Chapora, have been deemed unfeasible.
This news is sourced from Indian Express and is intended for informational purposes only.
