Under pressure from church leaders and various organisations, the MDA government today announced that it was scrapping the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act.
The law was introduced last year to promote setting up of casinos and other gambling parlours in the State.
Taxation Minister James Sangma said the decision was taken in the best interest of the State and its people.
“Following meetings with stakeholders, it became clear to me that it is in the best interest of our State to completely scrap the Act. Therefore, it will be my earnest endeavour to see that the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021, will be repealed,” Sangma in a statement here said.
According to him, last year, with the aim of boosting tourism, revenue generation and employment for the people of our state, the Department of Taxation introduced the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021, under his guidance to legalise and regulate gaming in Meghalaya.
Till that extent, introducing casinos – meant for tourists only – was considered as well, Sangma said.
The minister said over the months that followed, there were concerns expressed from parts of the society with regards to the scope and impact of the Gaming Act.
“I met with stakeholders that included religious organisations, non-governmental organisations, civil society representations, Dorbar Shnongs, autonomous and local governance bodies and youth organisations. During this process, I tried to understand the concerns of the public and the impact that the Act could have further on,” Sangma said.
Assuring that he would see that the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 is repealed, Sangma thanked everyone who came forward to aid, advise and provide feedback to the government on the Act.
