Digital Goa, July 16 – Goa government has amended the rules governing casinos, introducing stricter provisions on licence fee payments and entry restrictions at gaming areas in five-star hotels and offshore vessels.Under the amended notification issued by the Home Department, casino operators who delay payment of the annual recurring licence fee will have to pay penal interest at the rate of 18% per annum on the outstanding amount. The notification also reiterates that persons below 21 years of age will not be allowed entry into designated gaming areas where electronic gaming machines, slot machines or table games are operated.In addition, the government has revised the definition of “designated licensed places/areas” to clarify that gaming activities can be conducted only in segregated, access-controlled areas within five-star hotels or vessels. The amendments have come into force with immediate effect.
