PANAJI
A total of eight casinos, both onshore and offshore, have defaulted on payments to the State government amounting to over Rs 314.56 crore, in some cases with dues pending since 2018. While three onshore defaulting casinos are non-operational, five are operational, two of which are facing licence suspension owing to pending dues.
The information was provided by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on the Floor of the House, wherein he said that the outstanding dues include Annual Recurring Fees (ARF).
Sawant, who also holds Home portfolio, said that new Goa Public Gaming Rules 2025 are currently under vetting before the Law Department. The new rules will have to keep check on the profile of casino clients and other issues related to the functioning of the casinos.
The data placed in the House reveals that almost Rs 314,56,29,671 are due from the eight casinos -- M/s La Calypso Hotels Pvt Ltd, M/s Trade Wings Hotels Ltd, M/s MKM Grand Gaming & Entertainment (all three non-operational), M/s Britto Amusements Private Limited, M/s Raffles Square Development Pvt. Ltd, Big B Leisure LLP, M/s Machos Entertainment Pvt. Ltd (two licenses suspended) and M/s Golden Globe Hotels Pvt. Ltd.
The M/s La Calypso Hotels Pvt Ltd is the biggest defaulter with over Rs 107.11 crore and the matter is pending before the Administrative Tribunal. M/s MKM Grand Gaming & Entertainment with over Rs 80 crore dues is currently sub-judicie in the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile the government has initiated process to recover Rs 82.70 crore from the M/s Trade Wings Hotels Ltd, Sawant said.
The Chief Minister informed that the government has issued demand notices to M/s Britto Amusements Private Limited, M/s Raffles Square Development Pvt. Ltd for recovery of ARF during the Covid-19 pandemic period.
