The Goa government, eager to attract high-end tourists, has embraced casinos. However, in anticipation of the G20 Summit, taking place from April to July this year, the state is taking measures to protect its image. Overnight, metal barricades with casino branding in capital of the Indian state of Goa - Panaji have been covered with white cloth pieces to prevent any potential tarnishing of Goa's reputation.

Casinos in Goa will be allowed to reopen Monday, allowing those who are fully vaccinated, or provide a negative Covid-19 test to enter.

India’s Delta Corp. says that the government of Goa has extended restrictions in the state until August 2nd, mandating the closure of the company’s casinos

Delta Corp, India's largest casino operator, said its casinos in Goa will remain closed until at least July 19 after the government extended restrictions due to a surge in Covid. 

Casinos in Goa are set to remain shut for at least another four days, as the country continues to grapple with the latest outbreak of covid-19. 

Delta Corp and the casino industry in Goa has asked for a waiver in license fees for the period the properties were forced to close last year due to the pandemic.

Goa's casino industry has contributed revenue of over Rs 1277.29 crore ($175 million) to the State exchequer in the last nine years since 2012, the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told parliament last week.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told his state assembly that draft rules banning entry of Goa residents into casinos are under consideration of the state government.

Amid reports of more than a dozen persons testing positive for Covid-19 in Goa's offshore casinos, the Aam Aadmi Party has demanded their closure, fearing a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic in the state.

Panjim Mayor Uday Madkaikar has indicated that the newly reopened offshore casinos in Goa have been widely violating Covid-19 protection regulations by not enforcing the wearing of masks, social distancing, and other requirements.