Goa Boasts Ten Onshore and Six Offshore Casinos in Full Swing, Government’s Move to Conceal Casino Branding during G20 Meetings Raises Eyebrows.
The G20 Meetings in Goa See Participation from Over 180 Representatives, Former Mayor Expresses Surprise at Government Covering Casino Branding
With delegates from 19 member countries, ten invited states, and 22 international organizations in attendance, the G20 meetings in Goa have drawn attention. In an interview with the National Herald India, former Panaji mayor, Surendra Furtado, expressed surprise at the Goa government’s decision to cover the road barricades provided by casinos. Furtado suggested that this move was aimed at concealing the casino operators’ names and avoiding any display of their influence on the Pramod Sawant-led government to the G20 delegates.
Furtado Highlights Alleged Hypocrisy of BJP Government in Concealing Casino Branding at G20 Meetings.
Former Panaji mayor, Surendra Furtado, has claimed that people in Panaji are aware of the close relationship between some state legislators and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government with casino lobbyists. Furtado stated that “It stinks of hypocrisy when the BJP fails to properly recognise the casinos for international and national events even though they receive support from the BJP administration. I am confident that the world understands that the Goa government depends entirely on casinos for its survival.”
Currently, Goa has ten onshore casinos and six offshore casinos in operation. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant reported in 2021 that the casino industry had contributed revenue of over Rs 1277.29 crore (US$155 million) to the state since 2012.
