Goa to Recover Casino Dues Amid Controversy

Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the legislative assembly that the government would recover pending casino dues by March 31. Opposition leader Yuri Alemao highlighted the Rs 350 crore owed, with Rs 110 crore entangled in legal disputes. Concerns were also raised about banned live gaming activities at some onshore casinos.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has committed to recovering outstanding dues from the state's onshore casinos by the end of March next year. This assurance was given during a legislative assembly session on Tuesday, in response to a query from Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao.

Alemao pointed out that casinos owe the state government Rs 350 crore, of which Rs 110 crore is tied up in legal proceedings. Sawant pledged that the revenues would be collected within three months following the resolution of court cases.

Accusations of illegal live gaming at casinos situated near the assembly were also raised, prompting Sawant to promise inspections and reveal that four cases have already been registered against the casinos in question.

(With inputs from agencies.)