Goa’s Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar stated on Wednesday, 19th July, that the casino industry in the region does not increase the crime rate in any way, and its presence is even in Goa’s interest, as it boosts the economy and bridges some gaps in the budget.
Placed within the coastal region in India, Goa appeared under the spotlight of the gaming industry with its ship-based casinos. Unsurprisingly, these stimulate the appetite of the players, offering interesting and different gaming experience.
The opponents of the “floating” casino industry, though, referred to the ship-based casino operations as “offshore”, expressing their concerns that these have the potential to unleash a crime wave in the region.
In response to the opposition’s attacks, Goa’s Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar issued an official written report on Wednesday, 19th July, in which he made it clear that there is no interdependence between the crime rate and the casino trade in the area. He further pointed out that over the last 3 years, the number of crimes decreased significantly.
Mr. Parrikar’s report also includes information regarding the revenues, which the government reaped only from the gambling industry. The figures presented in the report show that the revenues, generated only from the casino market in the area almost doubled over the last two fiscal years. To be more accurate, it was reported that the government collected Rs 78.6 crore (US$12.2m) in fiscal 2014-15, Rs 86 crore in 2015-16 and Rs 162 crore ($25.2m) in 2016-17.
Besides the fact that the casino industry in the area significantly improved Goa’s economy, it also created many new job opportunities for the locals. Thus, the unemployment rate dropped significantly, as more people are getting engaged in the rapidly growing gambling industry in Goa. In addition to that, the tourism in the area also witnessed a sizeable increase, as more people are attracted by the gaming opportunities, which the area offers.
There are 5 ship-based casinos, which are operating currently in the Mandovi river and 6 more are are almost ready to welcome their first guests. What is more is that the area also has around 10 land-based casinos, so players have a good choice of gaming facilities.
Another question was put to Mr. Parrikar regarding the environmental pollution from the ships’ fuel. Goa’s Chief Minister boycotted any attacks, explaining that all the ship-based casinos, which are currently operating, were licensed years ago, at the time when the opposition Congress party was in charge.
Goa’s Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar made it clear that the casino industry in the area contributes to the welfare of the locals, fills some gaps in the budget, boosts the economy and serves as a tourist attraction. He openly shared his opinion on the matter, outlining no social harms or ills, caused by the proliferating casino trade.
