Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced a decisive move to eliminate all illegal advertisements promoting online gaming and gambling from Sri Lankan casinos within the state. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining lawful and ethical advertising standards in Goa.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Takes Firm Stance Against Illegal Online Gaming and Gambling Advertisements

Development of a Comprehensive Advertising Policy

In his statement, Chief Minister Sawant emphasized the impending finalization of a new advertising policy. He highlighted the collaborative efforts that will be undertaken with the police and the home department to ensure strict compliance. “Our advertising policy will be finalised soon, and we will act with police and the home department to ensure compliance,” Sawant stated, reinforcing the government’s proactive stance on this issue.

Immediate Actions to Remove Illegal Advertisements

The first phase of this initiative will involve the removal of illegal hoardings. Sawant was clear in his directive, stating, “We will shut down or break the hoardings. We will not allow such advertising. The Government is not earning anything from it.” This direct approach reflects the urgency and importance placed on eradicating these advertisements, which are predominantly billboard-type ads found across the state.

Porvorim Police to Register FIRs

In response to the illegal advertisements, the Porvorim police will take immediate action by registering First Information Reports (FIRs). This legal measure is aimed at addressing and deterring the placement of such advertisements on the Mandovi banks and other areas.

Background and Escalation of the Issue

The issue of illegal advertisements was initially raised by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai. Sardesai’s persistent efforts to address the problem included making an official complaint to the home undersecretary. Despite sending a reminder in October 2022 and the undersecretary’s subsequent communication with the Director General of Police (DGP), action on the matter was limited.

Images and Implicit References

The DGP’s response indicated that while two hoardings were identified, they did not explicitly mention casinos. However, the presence of images such as playing cards was a clear indication of the advertisements’ intent. Sardesai pointed out that these illegal advertisements have reappeared, notably along the routes to Mopa and Dabolim airports.

Government’s Firm Stance on Ethical Advertising

The Goa government’s firm stance on this issue is not just about compliance but also about maintaining ethical standards in advertising. By removing these illegal advertisements, the government aims to prevent misleading promotions and ensure that all advertising within the state adheres to the law.

Economic and Social Implications

While the Chief Minister highlighted that the government does not benefit financially from these advertisements, the broader implications include safeguarding the public from potentially harmful promotions. The removal of these advertisements is also seen as a step towards promoting responsible gaming and protecting the interests of the state’s residents.

Future Prospects and Policy Implementation

As the new advertising policy is finalized and implemented, it is expected to set a clear framework for lawful advertising practices in Goa. This policy will serve as a guideline for advertisers and ensure that all promotional activities are conducted within the legal and ethical boundaries established by the state.

Conclusion: The Initiative

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s initiative to remove illegal online gaming and gambling advertisements from Sri Lankan casinos is a significant step towards maintaining lawful advertising standards in Goa. By collaborating with the police and the home department, the government aims to enforce compliance and uphold ethical practices in advertising.

FAQs About Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s Stance on Illegal Online Gaming and Gambling Advertisements

1. What initiative has Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced?

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced a crackdown on all illegal advertisements promoting online gaming and gambling from Sri Lankan casinos within Goa.

2. What is the focus of the new advertising policy?

The new advertising policy aims to eliminate illegal hoardings and advertisements, ensuring that all promotions adhere to legal and ethical standards. It will be implemented with the cooperation of the police and the home department.

3. What actions will be taken against illegal advertisements?

In the first phase, the government will shut down or break the hoardings displaying illegal advertisements. FIRs will be registered by the Porvorim police to address and deter the placement of such advertisements.

4. Who initially raised the issue of illegal advertisements?

The issue was first raised by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who made an official complaint to the home undersecretary and sent a reminder in October 2022.

5. What was the response from the Director General of Police (DGP) regarding the advertisements?

The DGP acknowledged the presence of two hoardings but stated that they did not explicitly mention casinos. However, the images on the hoardings, such as playing cards, suggested a clear reference to gambling.

6. Where have the illegal advertisements reappeared?

The illegal advertisements have reappeared along the routes to Mopa and Dabolim airports in Goa.

7. What is the government’s stance on earning from these advertisements?

Chief Minister Sawant emphasized that the government does not earn anything from these illegal advertisements and is focused on removing them to maintain ethical advertising standards.

8. Why is the removal of these advertisements important?

Removing these illegal advertisements is crucial to prevent misleading promotions, promote responsible gaming, and protect the interests of Goa’s residents.

9. How will the new advertising policy impact future advertisements in Goa?

The new policy will set clear guidelines for lawful advertising practices, ensuring that all promotional activities are conducted within the legal and ethical boundaries established by the state.

10. What are the economic and social implications of this initiative?

The initiative aims to safeguard the public from potentially harmful promotions and ensure responsible gaming practices, benefiting the residents of Goa both economically and socially.