PANAJI: Ponnjekars Against Casinos has raised concerns over the government's gazette notification allowing persons below the age of 21 to board casino vessels while prohibiting their entry only into the gambling area. The group argued that despite the restriction, children and youngsters continue to be exposed to casino branding and advertisements throughout the vessel.
Addressing the media on Friday, AAP Chief Valmiki Naik accused the government of hypocrisy, saying the notification itself vindicates the group's long-standing opposition to casinos. "After fighting against casinos for years, it is disappointing that the government still doesn't care about its people. This notification itself proves that we were right all along. They have issued it out of fear," Naik said.
The notification prohibits persons below 21 years from entering casino gaming areas. However, under the revised rules, they are permitted to board casino vessels and access all non-gaming sections.
Naik argued that gambling addiction should be treated on par with alcohol and tobacco, where strict controls exist on advertising and public exposure.
"When you take a child onto a casino vessel, they are surrounded by casino branding from the moment they enter. Throughout their time on the vessel, they are exposed to gambling. So how is the government protecting children?" he questioned.
Naik further challenged the Chief Secretary and the Goa Government, stating that if the notification is enforced then they will have to force the government to remove all casino branding and advertisements.
