In a bid to dissuade youths from visiting off shore casinos, Goa government on Friday effected a sharp increase in their entry fees besides substantially raising the license processing fee for serving liquor on the floating gambling houses.
While the entry fee has gone up from Rs 200 to Rs 2,000, the license fee has been hiked from Rs 25,000 to Rs 10 lakh (Rs 1 million).
Presenting the additional budget, Chief Minister Digamber Kamat, who also holds the Finance portfolio, termed the move as a step to discourage youths from falling prey to the lure of casinos.
"Youth are the future of the state and we do not wish they spend their money in casinos and fall prey to the vices of gambling," he said.
Kamat said the increased entry fee would add Rs 36.50 crore (Rs 365 million) annually to the state exchequer.
The budget also proposed to increase license processing fee for retail sale of liquor on vessels or crafts, used for the purpose of gambling and having license for running casino, from Rs 25,000 to Rs 10 lakh.
Goa has five off-shore casinos in its waters which have come under scanner time and again from several NGOs and Opposition members.
The BJP, which had led a scathing attack on government for allegedly patronizing the casinos, demanded their closure, saying these measures would not dissuade youths from going to casinos.
"For the first time, Goa government has admitted that youths are spoiled because of these casinos," state BJP spokesman Damodar Naik said.
"But these measures will not prevent the tourists who have enough money to splurge at the casinos. Goa government should close down these casinos rather than pretending to be opposing them," he said.
The Goa government had presented interim budget in March this year instead of the entire budget due to the election code of conduct which was in force then.
On regulating the off shore casinos, Chief Minister Kamat said government would come out with a comprehensive policy in due course of time.
"My government understands the need for regulation of the casinos and would come out with detailed policy in due course of time. The apprehensions raised in various quarters should be adequately addressed," Kamat said apparently referring to anti-casino protests.
