Goa to allow five offshore casinos

The Goa government will allow five offshore casinos, including the existing one, to operate in the state, Chief Minister Digamber Kamat said.

"Ten companies had applied for the permission amongst which six are permitted to bring ships... First five, which are able to bring the ships, will be allowed to set up off-shore casinos," Kamat said.

Goa, the only state permitting offshore casinos, has one operating in the waters of Mandovi river in Panaji.

The second casino licensed to Leela Hotel Group is wading through neck deep controversy with locals opposing it. The local population has objected to the 13-metre-long casino vessel, which was planned to be stationed in river Sal in Cavelossim village of south Goa. The matter is pending with the state government.