Panaji, March 6 (PTI): Goa government today said that all the off shore casinos would be shifted out of Mandovi river here by December 2015 and the operators had given undertakings to the government during renewal of their licences.

No off shore casino would be allowed to operate in Mandovi river after December 3, 2015, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar told the state Legislative Assembly today.

There are currently five off shore casino vessels anchored in Mandovi river, adjacent to Panaji city.

It is not the concern of the state government where the off shore casinos would be shifted away, Parrikar said.

"If they want government can help them, but they should come to us seeking help," he said.

The issue was raised on the floor of the House by Independent legislator Rohan Khaunte, who questioned the government's intentions to drive away off shore casinos from Mandovi.

"There are total five valid licences. All the licences expire by December 2015, after that there will be no casino vessel in the river," the CM said, adding that the casino operators have given undertakings during their renewal of licences that they are ready to shift out.