Despite the strong objections of the opposition party, the government of Goa is ready to vote the permission for floating casinos to be opened in the port of Panaji.
The opposition party -drawing a morality line- has stated that it will not allow the installation of more casinos and will hold back the licenses that have been given to casinos that are already operating. According to its leader, 90 per cent of casino customers come from Mumbai, Delhi and other states. Seventy per cent of those casinos are involved in illegal activities such as money laundering, drugs, etc.
The party is concerned that the construction of a casino could change the type of tourists that visit the place because, according to its members, bets usually go along with other vices.
The State Home Ministry officials confirmed that the government till date has allowed only two licences while the rest will be given on the 'first come first served' basis. Meanwhile, the opposition is closely following the details of these concessions and is alert to prevent the streets and port of Panaji from being used for “ilegal purposes”