Goa finalises casino regulations

The Indian state of Goa has finalised rules that will streamline and regulate casinos in the state and set out the powers of the casino commissioner.

The regulations have been forwarded to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for final approval, according to local media reports.

The government appointed the commissioner of commercial taxes as gaming commissioner in 2019, but the rules setting out his mandate were not drawn up.

The commissioner will exercise overall control over all games conducted in the casinos and keep records and documents.

Under the new rules, the commissioner will be able to issue entry tickets to the casinos. These are currently issued by the casino operators. The commissioner will be able to maintain a record of visitors, the reports said.

The gaming commissioner will also be tasked with licensing and collection of annual fees. The rules give the officer the power to close down any casino if there are violations of the rules.

Goa has six offshore casinos and multiple slot parlours in five-star hotels.

Source: Asia Gaming Brief