No new casinos in Goa, but existing ones will stay: Laxmikant Parsekar

PANAJI: The Goa government seems to have softened its stand on off-shore casinos as chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar today said that though no new casinos will be allowed, it cannot 'disturb' the existing ones.

Former chief minister Manohar Parrikar had promised in the Assembly last year that these casinos would be shifted out of Panaji by December 2015.

"Had I taken the decision? It was not my decision," Parsekar shot back when asked by a reporter here whether his government would stick to the decision.

"We will not allow new casinos in the state but we can't disturb the existing casino business which is contributing revenue to the state," Parsekar said, adding that existing casinos cannot be asked to move out as it would lead to litigation.

"Casino owners may go to the court and get a stay. We should not disturb a settled business," he said.

Responding to a question, Parsekar however said the government may consider shifting the existing casinos somewhere else.

The casino industry welcomed the chief minister's statement. "We welcome the stand taken by the honourable CM. This will not only provide stability to the industry but also encourage investors to invest more in tourism and other sectors in the state," said Shrinivas Nayak, dDirector, Pride Group of Casinos and Hotels.