“We have been sitting idle for the last couple of days. We have run out of Rs 100 notes and so have the customers. We do not want to lose our patrons, so are ready to accept the old currency notes. But the customers don't want the prize money in old currency notes,” said an owner of a popular casino in off the famous Dona Paula beach, who did not want to be named.
The currency ban is an added headache for Goan casinos. An aggressively anti-corruption party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has put ‘ridding Goa of gambling and sex’ on top of its election agenda. “Casinos and gambling are not part of Goan culture…Only AAP can shut casinos in Goa,” said party convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Rich Culture of Goa on stake as Casino business is encouraged by BJP state govt. Why BJP For Casinos, Does they make money out of it??
— Vikash Kumar Kedia (@vickykedia) 8 ноября 2016 г.
BJP For Casino in Goa. They are the only reason. @AamAadmiParty govt in GOA will ensure closure of these criminal dens.
— Mehul Choradiya (@ChoradiyaMehul) 8 ноября 2016 г.
Casinos are one of the biggest revenue earners for Goa after mining and tourism. Casino owners say they are licensed legal businesses and plan to approach the judiciary if AAP manages to unseat the ruling BJP and tries to turn the screws on their business.
