The State government has appointed Jaydeep Chakravarty as expert member in the Meghalaya Gaming Commission.
The Meghalaya Gaming Commission is empowered to issue directions to ensure games are played in a fair manner and to act as a dispute resolution body for disputes between players and gaming operators.
On April 22, the Meghalaya government had appointed Justice (Retd) Naveen Srivatsava as the Chairman of the Meghalaya Gaming Commission constituted under the new gaming regulation. He will be in the position for three years which can be extended for another term of three years or till he attains the age of 65 years.
It may be mentioned that the State cabinet in March last year approved the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021, which is aimed at regulating online gaming. The State government on December 21, 2021 has issued the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Rules, 2021.
Meghalaya is now the third state after Nagaland and Sikkim that has officially legalised online gaming.
The motive behind the move is to increase the revenue collection of the State. The Meghalaya taxation department has decided that any person dealing with online gaming will have to obtain a license.
Various organisations, political parties including the influential Meghalaya United Christian Forum (MUCF) have voiced strong opposition over the State government’s decision to legalise online betting and gambling.
However, the State government said that online betting and gambling will be allowed only for tourists visiting the State.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has also ruled out the possibility of repealing the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 saying its repeal would lead to revenue loss of about Rs 10 crore annually.
