Udupi: C T Ravi, state minister for tourism, on Saturday, February 22, clarified that the state government does not intend to develop “casino tourism” in Karnataka.
It can be recalled that recently, reports had surfaced that the state tourism minister is likely to allow casinos in coastal Karnataka to lure western tourists, who otherwise go to Goa or Sri Lanka.
“I only expressed my opinion on how other countries promote tourism during the discussion. Casino tourism is one of them, however, I have no intention of developing casinos here (Karnataka),” C T Ravi told ANI. He was asked to make a comment on the state government’s proposal to introduce casino’s in the coastal region of the state.
Clarifying further, the minister said that what he meant was that many Indians go and spend money in other places. “Our money should be spent here (Karnataka) itself,” he added.
Reacting to the minister’s response, many on social media expressed that opening casinos in Karnataka is not such a bad idea. They opined that casinos would help control illegal gambling and even reduce the same.
(With inputs from ANI)
