Goa's Mopa airport casinos to open to only airport commuters

In a statement made by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that casinos at the upcoming Mopa airport will be open only to the airport commuters. The statement was made by him in the Assembly earlier this week. The upcoming airport is planned in North Goa, and would have the capacity to handle 30 million passengers. A part of it would be complete and running in 2020.
Reportedly, the commercial and recreational facilities at the new Goa airport would be spread over 23 ac of land, including casinos as well. In addition to casinos, passengers can expect wellness resorts, eco-resorts, a range of hotels, restaurants, entertainment zones, shopping arcades and more at the airport. The demand for another airport in the state has been there from years now, with the current airport seeing passengers from around the world and the country in massive numbers.

Unlike most other airports, the casinos at this one would be accessible to only those who are landing/boarding from the airport. It is believed that the decision has been made owing to the opposition from civil society and the opposition party regarding casinos in Goa. The ire has also led to the relocation of a number of existing casinos on River Mandovi in the state. While the hunt for a new site for the casinos is still on, this new move is seen supporting stricter control over casinos in the state.