Earnings from casino to be considered economic activity in Goa

PANAJI: Earnings through gambling would be considered as an economic activity by the ongoing economic census if casinos are permitted by the state government.

"Since casinos are legally permitted in Goa, we will consider earnings through casino gambling as an economic activity," Sunil Jain, Deputy Director General, Economic Census, told reporters here today.

He said that in the states where casino gambling is illegal, the activity would not be covered under the census.

Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has started collecting information for the sixth economic census in Goa.

The state has six off shore and over a dozen on-shore casinos in five star hotels.

Officials also said that all units engaged in production or distribution of goods or services other than for the sole purpose of own consumption will be taken into consideration under the economic census.

Around 800 local anganwadi workers would enumerate the houses and establishments for the purpose.