After being shut for around 7 months, casinos in Goa can finally start business once again, starting November 1. The Goa government has permitted casinos in the state to restart operations, which remained closed so far due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
7 is the lucky number for Goa Casinos
Constantly losing business from tourists because of the casino-shut down, these gambling dens will finally re-open after a prolonged period of 7 months. All casinos in the state were shut-down in March, with the imposition of the nationwide lockdown. The phased unlocking procedure prioritised re-opening of the essentials and the casinos took a back seat. However, after multiple appeals and deliberations, the state cabinet has now allowed the casinos to open their doors from November 1, with COVID-10 guidelines in place.
All Casinos need to ensure that the following guidelines laid down by the State Home Department are followed to the T upon their restart on November 1-
The casinos will operate at only 50% of their potential, following the SOP established by the state. The Chief Minister also added that casinos also have to pay the license fee before they resume their operations. Earlier, these gambling units were required to pay the license fee on a yearly basis.
There are about 6 offshore casinos in the state and around 10 onshore ones that operate from numerous five-star establishments like resorts and hotels located on the coastal belt. The Chief Minister further pointed that the restart of these key-attractions will eventually promote other tourist activities in the state.
Knock Knock
Goa relies heavily on its tourist footfall for a steady economy and the advent of an unprecedented pandemic sabotaged the tourist season in the Goa. With casinos being the state’s star attraction, especially for the domestic tourists, their re-opening will bring back stability in Goa’s uprooted and suffering economy.
