The industry players also claimed that they have been helping the government in reaching out to the people stranded in the tourist state due to the lockdown.

“We have supported 25 Georgian nationals by offering them accommodation and food after their Embassy requested for the same. They are safe in our accommodation. We will take care of them till they are in a position to fly back,” said Srinivas Nayak, Director, Casino Pride Group which owns two offshore vessels besides some onshore gaming places in the state.

Goa’s River Mandovi casinos were granted another six-month operating extension, by Goa’s state cabinet until September 30, due to an alternative relocation site that has yet to be identified.

Since 2013 the government has been looking to move the River Mandov offshore casinos even before the previous six-month extension expired on March 31 of this year.

The six offshore casinos that include MV Horseshoe Casino, MV Pride of Goa, MV Casino Royale, MV Argosy IV, MV Royale Flotel and MV Lucky have been granted the additional six-month extension.

In addition, the government is considering the process of renewing MV Horseshoe Casino’s licence which expired in August 2018.

Goa’s casino sector has been receiving government assistance in reaching out to stranded visitors during the current state lockdown.

Mr. Anil Malani Deltin Group President Operations handing over the cheque of INR 51 Lakhs to the CM of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant -File Photo By GPN

The group donated ₹51 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund after the first phase of the national lockdown was announced on March 24.

Nayak said they are also providing regular meals to policemen on duty in North Goa which had reported seven coronavirus positive cases.

“We opened our kitchens for policemen on duty. That was the first thing that was required to do as our police force was on the street enforcing the lockdown,” he said.

Similarly, Deltin Group last week contributed ₹51 lakh towards the CM’s relief fund.

Mr. Jaydev Mody, Chairman, Deltin Group -Photo By GPN

Talking about the initiative, Mr. Jaydev Mody, Chairman of Deltin Group mentions, “We, at Deltin, have pledged our support in Goa’s fight against the coronavirus disease. These are challenging times for all and many remain vulnerable to the COVID-19. Deltin Group believes in creating awareness amongst general public about the pandemic and providing humanitarian aid to the needy. We are all in this together and the need of the hour is to watch each other’s back. Also, I would personally like to thank everyone on the frontlines working to combat COVID-19”

He further stated, Deltin group is also sourcing and procuring essential items like medications, medical devices, essential food products and other provisions for the people of Goa for tackling the unprecedented health and humanitarian crisis arising from the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.As the nation comes together to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, Deltin Group has donated INR 5.10 million to Goa’s Chief Minister Relief Fund to pledge its support to the people of Goa in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Out of the total seven COVID-19 cases detected in Goa earlier–all from North Goa district, five patients recovered from the viral infection while two are undergoing treatment.

No new coronavirus positive case has been reported in Goa since April 4.

Out of the 19 casinos, six are offshore while the rest 13 are onshore entities. ENDS