BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: A delegation of off-shore and on-shore casino operators met Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Tuesday and presented a memorandum opposing the steep hike in entry fee from Rs 200 to Rs 2000.
Last week, the Chief Minister had announced the tax measure which he said, was being implemented to discourage youth from entering casinos. The government hopes to garner an additional Rs 36 crore from the hike.
Representatives of ‘Chances’, ‘Goldfinger’, ‘Las Vegas’ and the casino at Marriot Resort were present at the meeting along with representatives of off-shore casinos.
The off-shore casino operators told the Chief Minister that 95 per cent of their clientele were from outside the state and emphasized that the hike would deter people from visiting casinos.
“All the people who come on board do not go to the casino,” said a spokesperson for the Association of Offshore Casinos (AOC). “Many come to enjoy a meal at the restaurant or dance,” the spokesperson added.
The Chief Minister expressed his concerns of youth involved in gambling and suggested that a formula be worked out where only Goans who are in the higher income bracket are allowed in casinos.
In reply, casino operators said they were willing to hike the entry fee from Rs 200 to Rs 500 provided the fee for non-Goans remains unchanged. “We are also willing to raise the age bar for entry from 18 to 21,” the spokesperson said.
Another source said the problem lies with land casinos which provide easy access to local clientele on account of the low entry fee.
Presently, Casino Royale charges an entry fee of Rs 1,500, but the upside is that the customer gets an equivalent amount of free playing chips.
“Now if casino operators have to charge Rs 2,000 as an entry fee we will have to provide the customer with something and this will affect our bottom line,” explained the spokesperson.
With the steep hike, there is a fear in the industry that some players will have to close shop. The Chief Minister promised to discuss the matter.
Mickky’s threat a farce?
The threat by Minister of Ports Mickky Pacheco to seal all off-shore casinos did not materialise. Sources said applications for renewal of licences are pending before the Captain of Ports who has refused to take any action as the matter is pending before the High Court.
