Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a significant policy decision, the Goa government has notified fresh rules prohibiting individuals below the age of 21 from entering casino gaming areas, while simultaneously tightening enforcement against operators who fail to pay their annual licence fees on time.
The amendments, notified by the Home Department, make it compulsory for casino licensees to prevent anyone under 21 years from accessing designated gaming areas where slot machines, electronic gaming devices and table games are operated in five-star hotels and offshore casino vessels.
Although persons below 21 may enter a casino vessel, they will not be allowed inside the sections where gambling activities are conducted.
The notification brings into force a proposal that had remained pending for several years. Successive governments had earlier indicated that an age restriction would be introduced to discourage young people from being exposed to gambling activities, but the provision had not been formally implemented until now.
The latest decision follows years of demands from social groups and concerned citizens, who have consistently urged the government to shield young adults from the potential risks associated with gambling.
The government has also amended the rules governing casino licences by introducing a financial deterrent for delayed payment of the Annual Recurring Fee (ARF). Under the revised provisions, operators who fail to pay the fee within the stipulated period will have to pay 18 per cent annual penal interest on the outstanding amount until the dues are cleared.
The amendment assumes importance as several casino operators continue to have substantial outstanding liabilities with the State. Official records have previously indicated that pending ARF dues from multiple onshore and offshore casinos run into more than Rs 314 crore, with some payments remaining unpaid for several years.
Among the entities with outstanding dues are La Calypso Hotels Pvt. Ltd., Trade Wings Hotels Ltd., MKM Grand Gaming & Entertainment, Britto Amusements Pvt. Ltd., Raffles Square Development Pvt. Ltd., Big B Leisure LLP, Machos Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and Golden Globe Hotels Pvt. Ltd.
Government records show that La Calypso Hotels Pvt. Ltd. accounts for the highest pending amount, while the dispute involving MKM Grand Gaming & Entertainment is before the Supreme Court. Recovery proceedings have also been initiated against Trade Wings Hotels Ltd., and demand notices have been issued to other operators for unpaid licence fees, including dues linked to the Covid-19 period.
The latest amendments are expected to strengthen regulatory oversight of Goa’s casino industry by introducing stricter safeguards on entry to gaming areas and improving compliance with licence fee payments.
