Bengaluru: The state tourism department is likely to allow casinos in coastal Karnataka. The draft policy has proposed such centres to lure western tourists who are currently going to Sri Lanka or Goa to play in casino.
Tourism minister C T Ravi stated that the tourism department will not make any investment. Instead, will only be a facilitator.
Starting casinos in the state is not a new idea. So far, the concept was not approved by the state tourism department, as it was opposed by the BJP, which cited the adverse effects casinos would have on society. Now, with the BJP government in power, the proposal is likely to see the light of day.
The state tourism department, it seems, is planning to enact the new tourism policy by April. It has been prepared by a high power committee comprising of the tourism minister and stakeholders of the sector.
