A number of casinos have closed down in Goa after the government increased their annual renewal and licence fees,Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today said. "The number of casinos on shore and off shore is dropping drastically. From the double digit,they must have come down to single digit," Parrikar told reporters after attending the cabinet meeting. At least four casinos,including one off shore,have either not paid their annual fee or not renewed their licence,indicating exit from the business,he said. The Intercontinental - The Grand Resort Goa has not renewed its licence after it expired this year,he said. The licences have been granted to casinos for a five-year term,he said. An off shore casino owned by Golden Globe Hotels Pvt Ltd,a subsidiary of MDLR group,has also not paid annual fee. The licence of one hotel is valid but it has informed the state government that they have stopped the operations,while another hotel has sought permission to pay the fee in instalments,the chief minister said. The state government has allowed quarterly payment of fees for casinos,provided they pay 12 per cent interest on delayed payment,Parrikar said.
