A legal challenge regarding the approval of a new offshore casino vessel in Goa has entered a critical phase. The Bombay High Court has directed both the Goa state government and the casino company to submit affidavits detailing their positions and records concerning the vessel.
The case revolves around a proposed replacement vessel on the Mandovi River. Petitioners from Panaji and Reis Magos argue that Goa’s gambling laws do not permit a direct swap from a 70-guest vessel to a seven-story ship accommodating 2,000 guests without undergoing a new licensing process.
They also express concerns about navigation and safety, pointing out that the new vessel’s capacity exceeds that of existing casino boats combined.
Adding complexity to the situation, the Goa government clarified this week that it had only granted a mooring approval, not permission for operating a casino on the new vessel. This distinction highlights that the project’s legal and regulatory status is more limited than previously reported.
Meanwhile, the casino company has informed the court that it has obtained all necessary clearances, including environmental approvals, and is eager for the case to be evaluated after the summer break. The High Court’s request for formal affidavits indicates its desire for a clear documentary basis to determine the next steps in the case.
This legal battle is significant for Goa’s offshore casino industry as it addresses the fundamental legal issues surrounding the replacement of existing floating casinos with larger vessels on the Mandovi River. The case also raises questions about the extent to which the state is willing to expand river-based gaming capacity under the current regulatory framework.
