Goa CM Says Casinos Will Not Reopen Anytime Soon

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said that the state government has no plans to allow the reopening of the Goan casinos soo🗹⛎n.

While new central government guidelines allowing for substantial loosening of many sectors of the econoꦚmy, casinos - like cinema halls, bars, and international flights - will remain closed.

In an interview with , Sawant was asked about the 💦state's casinos and confirmed that there are no plans to restart them anytime so♋on.

All casinos in Goa were ordered shut from 15 Marc𒁏h 2020. This was more than a week before the nationwide lockdow🔯n imposed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Casinos across the Indian subcontinent, including those in Sikkim, Nepal and Sri🐈 Lanka, have remained shut since March and there is no indication that any will open in the next couple of months.

The casino industry has suffered heavy losses due to the shutdown, with the casino sector 🌱in Goa having let go of over 1,000 employees and made heavy pay cuts to salaries of the rem𒈔aining staff.

Many in the industry are resigned to the fact that it would be diffi♏cult for the casinos to restart o🌸perations any time before July or August.

Strict social distancing rules and curbs to prevent large scale social, ✱religious, cultural or sports gatherings remain in place by the government.

There will also be concern from the Goa casinos that they may not be able to reopen before 30 September - the date a fresh six-month extension to operate runs out - leaving their 🔥whole future in jeopardy.