Goa`s Chief Electoral Officer Warns Casinos Against Turning Money Conduits

With the dates of the state Assembly polls announced, the Election Commission (EC) has come out with definite guidelines for Casinos. The EC has asked casino operators in Goa to be careful not to be used by political parties or candidates for parking or distributing money for their Assembly polls, scheduled on February 4.

Goa`s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) warned strict action against violators, saying the poll watchdog is keeping a strict watch on activities in offshore and onshore casinos. He said casino operators have the right to carry on their business within the legal framework, “but if they are used to violate the norms, then strict action would be initiated against them”.

“We have already advised casino operators that they can carry on with their legal business but should not allow themselves to be used to park or distribute money for any political party or candidate,” he clarified.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s demonetization move has already affected the operations of the casinos in the state.

Goa is one of the few places in country where casinos are legal, apart from in Sikkim and Daman and Diu under relevant Public Gambling Acts.