The Election Commission has directed the State administration to monitor the casinos closely, following claims by political parties that large amounts of currency have been seized in the State post-demonetisation, and that casinos might be used to stash away illegal cash during elections.
“We conducted a meeting with the State Chief Secretary and the Home Secretary. We have asked them to ensure that casinos are not misused,” Chief Election Commissioner, Dr. Nasim Zaidi said.
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When asked if there was a need to ban casinos during the elections, Mr. Zaidi said, “We do not need to interfere in their [casino’s] normal, day–to–day activities since this is a tourism–oriented place, but we will keep track on activities related to diversion of funds.”
Goa has five off-shore casinos in the Mandovi river and nearly 10 on-shore in five-star resorts along the coastal belt.