In a recent legislative assembly session, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant of Goa, India pledged to take action against unauthorised advertisements promoting Sri Lankan casinos and online gaming. According to a local report, Sawant assured lawmakers that all illegal hoardings would be dismantled. This commitment comes in response to concerns about the legality and regulation of such advertisements within Goa. ?

Goa is in India’s southwestern coast. According to Goa’s official website, the state’s population is roughly two million.  

Legislative concerns and legal violations  

The issue was raised by Goa Forward Party MLA, Viaji Sardesai, during the assembly’s Question Hour. Sardesai highlighted that despite a previous complaint with the Home Department, no significant action had been taken against these unauthorised advertisements. He argued that these ads violated Section 12 of the Goa Daman and Diu Gambling Act and questioned how online gaming, deemed illegal by the GST Council, was being advertised so freely.? ?

In response to these concerns, Sawant confirmed that a case had been registered at the Porvorim police station concerning the unauthorised casino advertisements. He assured that the state was seeking legal advice to register more cases and curb these violations effectively. Sawant emphasised that hoardings promoting Sri Lankan casinos and online gaming would not be tolerated, particularly since the state does not benefit financially from these activities. ?

Policy and revenue implications  

Sawant pointed out that the lack of a finalised advertising policy in Goa had allowed these unauthorised hoardings to proliferate. However, he reassured the assembly that the government would take immediate steps to dismantle or remove these advertisements. This move is part of a broader effort by the Goa government to tighten its grip on gambling activities and ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations. ?

Amendments to the Goods and Services Tax Act  

The crackdown on unauthorised casino advertisements is also linked to recent amendments in Goa’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act. The coastal state has agreed to clarify the taxability of various forms of gambling, including horse racing, casinos, and betting. 

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