PANAJI: The Goa government has notified new rules barring individuals below 21 years of age from entering casino gaming areas and has introduced stricter measures against casino operators who delay payment of annual licence fees.
Under the amendments issued by the Home Department, casino operators must ensure that no person under the age of 21 is allowed into designated gaming zones where slot machines, electronic gaming devices and table games are operated in five-star hotels and offshore casino vessels. While those below 21 may board casino vessels, they will be prohibited from entering gambling sections.
The move formalises a long-pending proposal aimed at preventing young people from being exposed to gambling. The age restriction had been under consideration for several years and follows repeated demands from social organisations and citizens seeking stronger safeguards.
The government has also revised the licensing rules by imposing an 18% annual penal interest on operators who fail to pay the Annual Recurring Fee (ARF) within the prescribed deadline. The interest will apply until the outstanding dues are cleared.
The amendments come amid significant unpaid licence fee dues from several casino operators. Government records have previously shown that pending ARF dues exceed ₹314 crore, with some payments remaining outstanding for years.
Operators with pending dues include La Calypso Hotels Pvt. Ltd., Trade Wings Hotels Ltd., MKM Grand Gaming & Entertainment, Britto Amusements Pvt. Ltd., Raffles Square Development Pvt. Ltd., Big B Leisure LLP, Machos Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and Golden Globe Hotels Pvt. Ltd.
According to official records, La Calypso Hotels Pvt. Ltd. has the highest outstanding dues, while the dispute involving MKM Grand Gaming & Entertainment is currently before the Supreme Court. Recovery proceedings have been initiated against Trade Wings Hotels Ltd., and demand notices have been issued to other operators, including for dues related to the Covid-19 period.
The new rules are expected to strengthen regulation of Goa’s casino sector by restricting underage access to gambling areas and improving compliance with licence fee payments.
