Panaji: Members of Ponnjekars Against Casinos have filed a criminal complaint at the Panaji police station against directors of six offshore casinos operating on the Mandovi river.Alleging that the casinos are permitting children and individuals under 21 to board the vessels, the activists want an FIR filed against the owners and a forensic audit of all earnings.The group said that the entry of those below 21 years in casinos violates the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976, and the Goa Children’s Act, 2003.The complaint seeks cancellation of casino licences, sealing of operations pending cancellation, and a forensic audit of revenue earned in violation of the law.“Offshore casinos are advertising kid zones, creche, games and other activities for children on board the casino vessels to attract families. Some vessels even allow children into their ‘Sky Bar’ and offer birthday party packages for minors. This is a gross violation of the law and cannot be permitted to continue,” said Patricia Pinto, a former CCP councillor.Activists have also criticised the brazen advertising and marketing of gambling events along the capital’s roads and near schools and college campuses.
