Daijiworld Media Network (SR)
Panaji, Oct 11: Turning down ports minister Michael Lobo’s request of renewing the casino trade licences next year, City mayor Uday Madkaikar said it is not possible to renew the trade licences of offshore casinos.
Reacting to the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) decision, the ports minister, at the launching ceremony of a new oil spill collection vessel said, “The government will request the CCP to reconsider the decision to not renew the trade licence of offshore casino operators.”
Madkaikar, who was also present at the launching ceremony as quoted by TOI said, “There is no question of reconsidering the CCP decision on casino trade licences.” The licences expire in March 2020 and Lobo has time till then to move the offshore casinos to his side. Every month, one casino can be moved to the Aguada side.”
Lobo also added that offshore casino owners will be given enough time to move their businesses to some other place as they have invested in the business.