The government of the Indian state of Goa has sought legal opinion on newly-drafted gaming rules, which the state has framed along the Macau model.
State officials are seeking the legal opinion of advocate general Saresh Lotilkar regarding the draft rules before they are brought into force. If approved, the rules will prohibit the entry of Goans into casinos except for employment.
Under the draft rules, the state home department has given power to the state government to appoint a gaming commissioner, which could either be a private person or a government officer.
Goa is one of the three Indian states that allow live casinos to operate within its borders. The coastal state, which was administered by Portugal until 1961, plays host to 11 land-based gaming venues and five floating casinos.
