PANAJI, NOVEMBER 12:Raising serious questions over the legality of casino operations in Goa, the Justice Ferdino Rebello-associated movement, Enough Is Enough, Goa (EIE), has approached the Anti-Corruption Branch of the Directorate of Vigilance, seeking an investigation into alleged violations of the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976, and the failure of senior government and police officials to enforce statutory provisions governing casino operations.

In a detailed seven-page complaint dated November 12, 2026, addressed to the Superintendent of Police, Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB/Vigilance), the organisation has alleged that offshore casinos operating in the Mandovi River and gaming establishments in five-star hotels are conducting activities without the mandatory permits contemplated under Sections 13B, 13D, 13G and 13H of the Goa Public Gambling Act.

The complaint also raises allegations of illegal casino advertisements, regulatory inaction and possible misconduct by public servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

The organisation has called for an investigation into the roles of the Home Secretary, Gaming Commissioners and senior police officials responsible for enforcing the law.

No Rules Framed, No Tourist Permits Issued?

One of the central issues raised in the complaint concerns the implementation of amendments to the Goa Public Gambling Act that came into force on February 1, 2020.

According to the organisation, Sections 13B to 13L introduced a regulatory framework requiring the Gaming Commissioner to exercise specific powers, including the issuance of permits governing entry into authorised gaming establishments.

The movement has cited official correspondence received from the office of the Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, who also functions as Gaming Commissioner, indicating that the necessary rules had not been framed.

In a response dated August 5, 2026, the Commissioner’s office reportedly informed the organisation that it could not exercise powers under Section 13D because the relevant rules had not been notified.

The complaint also refers to an RTI application filed by activist Sudip Narayan Tamhankar on September 10, 2026. According to the complaint, a response received on September 30 reiterated that the absence of rules prevented the Gaming Commissioner from exercising the relevant statutory powers.

Based on these responses, EIE has argued that the required tourist permits could not have been issued and has consequently questioned the legality of entry into casino gaming areas.

The organisation maintains that the continued operation of gaming establishments under these circumstances requires immediate investigation.

However, whether the absence of rules legally invalidates existing casino permissions or operations would require examination of the applicable statutory provisions, licences and government notifications.

Government’s Assembly Reply Questioned

The complaint has also challenged the government’s explanation regarding casino regulation provided in the Goa Legislative Assembly.

According to EIE, the Home Minister, responding to Unstarred Legislative Assembly Question No. 001 on January 14, 2026, stated that casino matters were being processed under the Goa Public Gambling Act and the terms and conditions of a government notification dated November 9, 1995, as amended.

The organisation contends that the 1995 notification was issued under Section 13A and cannot substitute for the separate regulatory requirements introduced under Sections 13B onwards.

It has therefore questioned how casino operations and entry permissions are being regulated when the rules required for implementing the later provisions have allegedly not been framed.

Live Table Games in Five-Star Hotels Also Questioned

Another major issue highlighted in the complaint concerns the distinction between gaming activities permitted in offshore casinos and those authorised in five-star hotels.

EIE has argued that the Goa Public Gambling Act permits electronic amusement games and slot machines in five-star hotels, while live table games are authorised aboard offshore vessels, subject to applicable legal conditions.

The organisation has cited the government’s reply to Unstarred Legislative Assembly Question No. 002, tabled by MLA Aleixo Lourenco and answered on January 14, 2026.

In that reply, the Home Minister reportedly stated: “No relaxation has been given as per the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976 for conducting live gaming in casinos on land.”

The movement has questioned whether live table games are nevertheless being conducted in land-based casinos and has demanded an investigation into any such activities.

It argues that no administrative authority can permit activities beyond the scope of the law merely through executive decisions.

Majestic Paradise Casino Transaction Cited

The complaint also refers to correspondence involving Golden Peace Hotels and Resorts Pvt. Ltd., the operator of Majestic Paradise Casino, addressed to the Senior Police Inspector of the Anti-Extortion Cell, Crime Branch, Mumbai.

The correspondence reportedly relates to Crime No. 110/2026 involving Siddhesh Tari, a Goa resident.

According to EIE, the document indicates that Tari was permitted to enter the casino and purchase gaming chips worth ₹3,97,700.

The organisation has cited this transaction to question the enforcement of restrictions on entry by persons who do not qualify as tourists under the relevant statutory provisions.

It has further alleged that the transaction raises questions about gaming activities in five-star hotels.

The allegations concerning this transaction and the legal implications of the cited correspondence remain subject to independent verification.

Casino Advertisements at Airports, Highways and Public Places

Apart from gaming operations, the complaint has raised serious objections to the widespread advertisement of casinos across Goa.

EIE has alleged that casino advertisements are displayed along national highways, state roads, road dividers, public barricades, newspapers, social media platforms and at both Dabolim and Manohar International Airport at Mopa.

The organisation has invoked Section 12 of the Goa Public Gambling Act, arguing that advertisements which aid, encourage or facilitate gaming may attract the statutory prohibition.

It has questioned why regulatory and police authorities have allegedly failed to act against such advertisements despite repeated complaints.

The movement has demanded an examination of the legality of casino promotional activities and the responsibility of authorities permitting or overlooking them.

Chief Secretary, Gaming Commissioner and Senior Police Officers Named

The complaint identifies several senior officials whose roles the organisation wants investigated.

These include Chief Secretary and Home Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, Gaming Commissioner Sarpreet Singh Gill, Superintendent of Police (Crime) Gaurav Sikavar, North Goa Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta and South Goa Superintendent of Police Akshat Ayush.

It also refers to the responsibilities of the Inspector General of Police, designated inspection officers and previous Gaming Commissioners.

The complaint lists four officials who have held the position of Gaming Commissioner since February 2020: Hemant Kumar, Ruchika Katyal, Swetika Sachan and Sarpreet Singh Gill.

EIE has alleged that the failure of responsible officials to take action despite receiving complaints warrants investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

However, the mere failure to act on a complaint does not, by itself, establish criminal misconduct or corruption. Any liability under the Prevention of Corruption Act would depend on the applicable legal requirements and evidence established during an investigation.

Repeated Complaints Allegedly Ignored

The organisation has detailed several earlier representations submitted to government and police authorities.

According to the complaint, letters were addressed to the Gaming Commissioner and Inspector General of Police on July 8, 2026, highlighting alleged violations of the gambling law.

The Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, was approached on July 9, while further representations were reportedly made to the Home Secretary and Gaming Commissioner on September 3.

The organisation has also referred to correspondence addressed to the Governor on June 1, 2026.

Despite these representations, EIE claims that no effective enforcement action has been communicated to it.

The movement has argued that repeated inaction, particularly after statutory violations have been brought to the attention of responsible authorities, requires scrutiny.

Anti-Corruption Investigation Demanded

In its complaint, EIE has requested the Anti-Corruption Branch to investigate the alleged violations and examine the conduct of officials entrusted with implementing the Goa Public Gambling Act.

The organisation has invoked Section 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, contending that the alleged failure to discharge statutory duties and prevent unlawful gaming activities warrants investigation.

It has also requested that the inquiry extend to other officials whose roles may emerge during the investigation.

The complaint, submitted by EIE President Govind Shirodkar and General Secretary Devidas Amonkar, states that supporting documents have been annexed.

Fundamental Questions Over Casino Regulation

The complaint has brought several significant questions into focus: Why have the relevant gaming regulations allegedly remained unframed years after the statutory amendments came into force? What legal mechanism currently governs tourist permits and casino entry? Are land-based casinos operating strictly within their authorised scope? And why have repeated complaints concerning casino advertisements and gaming activities allegedly failed to produce visible enforcement action?

These questions acquire particular significance because the Goa government derives substantial revenue from the casino industry while simultaneously bearing responsibility for ensuring that every operator complies with the law.

The central issue raised by EIE is not merely whether casinos should operate in Goa, but whether the government is enforcing the laws enacted to regulate them.

If the statutory framework remains incomplete or is not being implemented, the government must clarify the legal basis on which the industry continues to function.