Goa Appoints Gaming Commissioner as Casino Regulation Rules Await Final Approval

Goa's Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that although offshore and onshore casinos have been permitted for several years, the specific rules under the Goa Public Gambling Act to regulate them are still pending vetting by the law department. Since these rules are not finalized, casino operations continue under the 1976 Act, its amendments, and government notifications. The Commissioner of Commercial Taxes was appointed as Gaming Commissioner in January 2020 to oversee gambling activities, with full regulatory powers to be defined once the new rules are notified.