Govt admits offshore casinos are on-shore
PTI, PANAJI | 20 July 2012 19:05 IST
The off-shore casino vessels anchored in the Mandovi river flowing alongside Panaji are hardly a few metres away from the shore, Goa government today admitted the state Legislative Assembly.
However, these vessels are supposed to be five nautical miles away from the shore, as per the rule prescribed while granting them licence to operate in Goan waters.
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, in a written reply tabled on the floor of the House, has stated that MV Caravella, one of the first off-shore casinos here, is anchored hardly 50 metres away from the shore.
Caravella ship is owned by M/s Advani Pleasure Cruise Company Private Limited.
The farthest away casino is MV Casino Royale, owned by M/S Highstreet Cruises and Entertainment Private Ltd, which is 800 metres away from the shore.
M V Leela, the ship owned by M/s Victor Hotels and Motels Private Limited, is anchored 370 metres away from the shore and MV Pride of Goa of M/s Goa Coastal Resorts and Recreation Private Limited is stationed 130 metres away from the land.
Parrikar told the Assembly that there are 16 licenced casinos in the state of Goa, of which, five are offshore, while the rest are inland.
He said that after due examination, the government is considering to bring a comprehensive legislation or regulation in the matter of casinos soon.
