The Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) directed the state home department to strictly enforce a total prohibition on the entry of minors into all offshore and onshore casinos. In an official communication sent on July 30, the child rights commission emphasized that exposing children to commercial gambling environments violates core child protection principles. Furthermore, Commission Chairperson Shashikant Punaji noted that such exposure could adversely impact the physical, mental, and moral development of minors.
The Commission highlighted provisions under the Goa Children’s Act, 2003, which obligates the state to safeguard children against exploitation. The statute explicitly specifies that inducing a child to gamble or assist in gambling operations constitutes a punishable offense.
Consequently, allowing minors aboard offshore vessels or inside hotel gambling spaces violates state legislation.
Mandatory Verification, Inspections, and License Penalties
To ensure strict compliance, the child rights panel instructed the state government to mandate age verification checks at all casino access points. In addition, operators must verify government-issued photo identification documents for every guest prior to granting entry.
Additionally, venue operators must prominently display signboards clearly stating that entry for individuals under 18 years of age is strictly prohibited.
The Commission requested the home department to authorize police teams and licensing bodies to conduct regular, surprise inspections across all facilities.
The communique directed authorities to initiate severe disciplinary action against non-compliant operators. This includes the immediate suspension or cancellation of operating licenses.
State officials were given a one-month deadline to submit a formal action-taken report to the panel.
Legal Framework and State Government Amendments
The directive follows recent structural changes made by the state government regarding age limits under the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976. Under previous rules, individuals under 21 were barred from entire offshore vessels or five-star hotel premises hosting slot machines.
However, a recent government notification narrowed the restriction to “designated licensed places or areas”.
A senior state official clarified that the modification restricts under-21 individuals specifically from designated gaming zones. Previously, under-21 individuals were barred from entire hospitality vessels or hotel properties.
The commercial casino industry represents a significant economic sector in the coastal state. Goa currently hosts six offshore casinos anchored in the Mandovi River off Panaji. In addition, there are 16 onshore facilities located within five-star hotels.
Licensed operations generated over ₹1,700 crore in state revenue over the last five years. Therefore, strict regulation is essential to balancing economic revenue with child protection laws.
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