Goa’s state government has drafted new regulation to cover its gaming industry, which envisages a designated area for casinos that will be able to offer both table and electronic gaming, local media reports.
The law will allow the construction of casinos without them having to be tied to a five-star hotel, according to the report.
India’s Herald newspaper, which claims to have a copy of the draft bill, said the new laws will prohibit any locals from entering the casinos. It will also keep existing restrictions on five-star hotels, which are only able to offer electronic gaming with no tables.
Goa’s current offshore casinos will be allowed to operate for four years after the bill is enacted and may get a further extension if they have applied for a license for a land-based casino.
The bill allows the government to mark an area anywhere in Goa as a ‘designated area’ where common gaming-houses, also known as casinos, can be set up for playing electronic, table or any other form of games, the newspaper reports. The most likely area as being near the Mopa airport.
Goans found gaming at a licensed casino are liable for punishment with imprisonment of up to one year and fine of up to Rs 500.
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