Parrikar opposes move to issue licences for casinos

Panaji, Sep 4 (UNI) Former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has strongly opposed the Goa government's proposal to issue casino licenses to ten offshore vessels under the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1986.

Mr Parrikar said if the Government issues such licenses, the state will become a base for gambling.

The Government had issued an advertisement in local dailies stating that licenses would be issued on ''first come-first serve'' basis and till now six companies had applied for the licenses and paid the processing fee, Mr Parrikar said.

But, issuance of the licenses would be contingent upon the purchase or procurement of the vessels. Mr Parrikar said the move will harm Goa's culture and identity.

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