Indian gaming operator Delta Corp says it will pursue legal action after the Government of Goa issued an order for payment of license fees during periods in 2020 and 2021 when the company’s casinos were closed due to COVID-19.
According to information filed by Delta Corp, the order demands payment for the relevant shut down periods plus interest. The company’s Goa casinos include India’s two largest offshore casinos, Deltin Royale and Deltin JAQK, and the country’s only floating hotel with a casino, King Casino.
All were shut down between 1 April and 31 October 2020, and again between 1 May and 30 September 2021.
Delta Corp revealed in October 2021 that it had set aside Rs26.67 crore (US$3.5 million) in fees for the year but had not made payment, instead asking the government to either waive or provide a reduction on its casino license fees for periods in which its casinos were closed.
However, it seems the government has taken a different view by seeking full payment of outstanding fees for the periods in question.
Delta Corp did not reveal the full amount being sought but noted that, “As provisions were already made in the relevant accounts and financial statements for these payments, there is no impact on the profit and loss account or the financial position of the company or its subsidiaries.
“Nevertheless, we will be pursuing our legal remedies against this order,” it said.
