Panaji, November 5, 2026: Raising serious questions over the enforcement of gambling laws in Goa, retired Justice Dr. Ferdino Rebello has demanded immediate police action against casino operators and others allegedly involved in publishing, displaying and distributing advertisements promoting gambling activities across the state.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Inspector General of Police, Justice Rebello, convenor of Enough Is Enough, Goa, has accused the authorities of failing to enforce Section 12 of the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act, 1976, despite the widespread display of casino advertisements.

The organisation has questioned why casino operators are being permitted to openly advertise their gambling businesses on airport hoardings, national highways, state roads and other prominent public locations when the law contains provisions against publishing or circulating information that encourages or facilitates gaming.

Section 12 Provides for Arrest Without Warrant

Drawing attention to Section 12(1)(a) of the Act, Justice Rebello pointed out that a police officer not below the rank of sub-inspector may arrest without a warrant persons involved in printing, publishing, selling, distributing or circulating material or information that aids, encourages or facilitates gaming.

The letter maintains that casino advertisements fall within the scope of this provision and that those responsible for publishing or distributing such promotional material should face legal action.

Justice Rebello has argued that the prohibition has been violated ever since casino gaming was permitted under the relevant amendments to the gambling legislation.

Casino Branding Even on Road Dividers?

In a particularly serious allegation, the organisation has questioned the involvement of the State Police in arrangements through which casino companies have reportedly provided road dividers carrying their prominently displayed names.

The letter points out that casino branding is visible not only on commercial billboards but also on road infrastructure, raising questions about whether government agencies themselves are indirectly facilitating the promotion of gambling.

According to the organisation, large casino advertisements greet visitors arriving at Goa’s airports, while similar publicity material is displayed extensively along major highways and roads.

The organisation contends that such publicity amounts to encouraging or facilitating gambling and should attract action under the law.

Police Reluctant to Enforce the Law, Alleges Rebello

Justice Rebello has expressed concern over what he describes as the apparent reluctance of police officers to initiate action against those responsible for casino advertisements.

The organisation has questioned why the relevant legal provisions remain unenforced despite the advertisements being openly displayed across Goa.

The letter also raises concerns about gaming activities allegedly taking place in five-star hotels in circumstances where, according to the organisation, such gaming is not legally permitted. Justice Rebello stated that this issue had already been brought to the attention of various authorities through an earlier communication dated September 3, 2026.

Demand for Immediate Action Against Violators

Enough Is Enough, Goa has called upon the Chief Minister and senior government and police authorities to issue immediate directions for enforcement of Section 12 of the Public Gambling Act.

The organisation has specifically demanded action against persons responsible for publishing or circulating information that encourages or facilitates gambling, invoking Sections 12(a) and 12(b) as cited in its representation.

The demand puts the spotlight on a fundamental question of governance: If the law restricts publicity that promotes gambling, why are casino advertisements being allowed to dominate public spaces across Goa?

The representation also raises broader questions about accountability and whether influential casino businesses are receiving preferential treatment in the enforcement of gambling regulations.

While the organisation has asserted that the advertisements violate the Act, whether particular promotional displays constitute offences under Section 12 would ultimately depend on the applicable legal interpretation and facts of each case.

The latest intervention by Justice Rebello has brought the issue of casino advertising and police enforcement back into sharp focus, placing responsibility on the state government to clarify its position and respond to the allegations.

The crucial question now is whether the Goa government will initiate an examination of the alleged violations and enforce the law, or allow the controversial casino publicity to continue unchecked.