A Christian forum today said legalising online gaming, betting and casinos might generate revenue for the State government but would have serious repercussions on the society.
The NPP-led MDA government had passed the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021. Works to set up casinos in Ri Bhoi district have already began and sources said these are likely to be set up in Khanapara and Jorabat, which fall under the Raid Marwet on the Assam-Meghalaya border.
The Meghalaya United Christian Forum in a statement today said, “The conversion of Meghalaya into a hub of legalised gambling, online gambling, online betting and casinos will have far-reaching consequences on the lives of vulnerable men, women and their families irrespective of community and belief.”
Pointing out that online gambling and casinos might generate revenue for the government the forum questioned, “Are we willing to pay the price or ready to bear the repercussions of such an endeavour it would have on the society.”
The forum through a statement signed by secretary Synsharlang Kharshiing expressed its concern with the well being of the community and appealed leaders of the state to “introspect deeply before jumping head on with excitement without considering the destruction it cause on the lives of the present and future generations.”
“Gambling would not help to teach young minds to become responsible citizens,” the forum added.
Under this gambling regime all kinds of “games of skill’ and “games of chance”, whether online or physical are permitted under a license granted to companies for a period of five years.
The government hopes to earn revenue from levying royalty on the licensees which will be a fixed percentage of the gross revenue earned by the company running the gambling operations.
