The Bailancho Saad has reportedly strongly opposed on-land casino-township at Dhargalim, Pernem and advertisements/hoardings of casino gambling. The Saad has demanded that no permission be issued to start on land casinos as the casinos in hinterland will ruin the youth. The influx of tourists will destroy the identity of the village and make locals a minority in their own village.
It is pertinent to note that in the past there was strong objection to the offshore casinos operating in River Mandovi. The powers-that-be had even promised that the offshore casinos will be removed from the Mandovi and pushed further on. But several years on, these offshore casinos not only operate but more have been added to the number.
Now there is a proposal to have on-land casinos. At this rate Goa will soon turn into the gambling capital of the country. It could be the ‘Las Vegas’ of India. Casinos could be bringing in the revenue for the government. But the big question is whether having a casino-township in the village, government’s idea of promoting hinterland tourism?
