Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant

PANAJI: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said that the state government would ban Goans from entering casinos from February 1, 2020 and the commissioner of commercial tax department would be appointed as the gaming commissioner.

Goa has a dozen of onshore and six offshore casinos operating in the state.

The home department has moved a file to chief minister for appointment of gaming commissioner, which is a long pending demand.

Speaking to mediapersons, Sawant said the state government had announced to ban Goans from entering casinos and the file had been moved accordingly.

“We are appointing commissioner of commercial tax department as the gaming commissioner and once he is appointed, Goans would be automatically banned from entering casinos. From February 1, gaming commissioner will stop Goans from entering casinos,” Sawant said.

He also said that a notification would be issued in this regard by Friday.

Sawant said the gaming commissioner would have powers to inspect the casinos anytime to monitor their functioning. He would check the identity cards of customers in casinos and if any Goan is found, he would take action, Sawant added.

Chief minister said that the government would also come up with rules and regulations under Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976. “Gaming commission will draft the rules and regulations,” he said.

