Goa casino operators request new fee law

Goa casino operations are under threat by the ever increasing gaming taxes.

It is well known that the only Indian state where casinos are legal is Goa, it is here that the casino operators have submitted a petition to their local government asking the reduction of the gaming taxes which are seriously damaging casino businesses.
Earlier the government has already set the a makor increase in gaming taxes from 2.5 times to 4.5 times.

This month saw a severe kick for Goa casino operators after a regulation from the finance dept. about the above mentioned tax hike came into effect. Goa’s local government could be reconsidering this tax hike after local operators pushed for a further look into the issue.

“Casino operators have said that the government must review the recent tariff rise pertaining to the industry and bring it back to a level which is close to the previous year’s levels after taking into account the rate of inflation,” informed the local press.

Under the increase, casinos with passenger capacities of over 400 will have to pay a fee of €4.99 million, up from the previous €1.49 million. Those with capacities between 200 and 400 will pay €3.74 million (instead of just €1.37) and vessels with less than 200 in passenger capacity will now pay €3.1 million, up from €1.34 million. Onshore casinos will have to pay €6.24 million, up from the previous €2.49 million.

Source: FocusGN.com