Meghalaya government scraps act promoting casinos

Following bitter opposition from different quarters, Meghalaya government on Thursday repealed the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 which allowed setting up of casinos in the state.

Law Minister James K Sangma on Thursday said Meghalaya Government on Thursday repealed the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 which was introduced last year with an aim of boosting tourism, revenue generation, and employment for the people in the state said.

The State Department of Taxation introduced the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 for the regulations of gaming in the state.

Sangma met with the stakeholders which included religious organizations, non-governmental organizations, civil society representations, Dorbar Shnongs, autonomous and local governance bodies, and youth organizations and decided to repeal the act.

Meghalaya government had earlier issued licences to set up three casinos.

The Joint Action Committee Against Casino (JACAC) and other organisations have been strongly agitating against the casino setting up.

In February this year Meghalaya Prevention of Gambling Act, 1970 was nullified by the state government. The state cabinet approved the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Ordinance, 2021.

Traditionally there is gambling in the state with 'teer' or traditional archery games. However, the state government is not getting revenue from this informal betting.