The public protest against the second off-shore casino in Goa has got a boost with the Congress resolving that the state Government should not permit casinos on the rivers.

India’s only state with off-shore casinos, Goa is facing a controversy following licence being given to the second off-shore casino, run by Leela Hotel in Cavelossim village of south Goa.

The local fishermen have put up strong protest against the vessel mounted with the live gaming casino. The local Catholic Church too has rendered its support to the protest, forcing state Government to review its licence.

Lending their support to the agitators, Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) chief Fransisco Sardinha said on Saturday, “Casinos (off-shore) should not be allowed on the rivers.” He said the GPCC has taken strong objection to state Government’s act of not consulting the party before taking important decisions.