Despite opposition from various quarters against setting up of gambling and casinos in the State, the MDA government has issued temporary casino licenses to three persons to operate the business.
This was informed by Taxation Minister James Sangma in the Assembly today while replying to a call attention motion by Umroi MLA George Lyngdoh.
According to Sangma, a number of persons had applied for the casino licenses but only three were granted.
Justifying the decision, Sangma said that the government had to find an unprecedented typical solution to attract tourists other than leisure or low budget tourists, by offering niche tourism for high end tourists.
Sangma stated that the government is focusing on promoting niche tourism in the State which will help in bringing economic prosperity and raise the State’s GDP.
Sangma said that the government has laid down stringent provisions when framing the Meghalaya Gaming Regulation Act 2021 to regulate the existing gambling parlours which have been there for the past many years in the State.
Stating that gaming in all its forms has been taking place throughout history, Sangma cited the practice of archery betting (Teer) which has been prevalent for generations before the government decided to regulate it in 1983.
He also said that betting on games like bull fights, cock fights and others is going on in remote areas of the State.
The taxation minister mentioned that Goa and Sikkim have promoted tourism through the legalisation of gaming in physical premises while at the same time denying entry to residents of their states into the premises.
“These states are presently reaping the benefits that this tourism bloom along with legalised gaming has brought in terms of investment, job creation and overall economic development,” he said.
Sangma said that the State government while framing the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Acts and Rule 2021 has also taken similar steps to insulate the local population by incorporating provision to bar locals from gaining entry into the physical gaming premises.
He also said that the Meghalaya Gaming Commission which has been set up will issue policy directions for regulating games to be played in fair and transparent manner and also act as dispute redressal body for dispute resolution between the licensee and the players.
Earlier, while moving his call attention motion, Umroi MLA George Lyngdoh referred to a report published in a local daily that several organisations from Ri-Bhoi district had formed a Joint Action Committee to oppose any attempt by the government to set up gambling centres and casinos in the district.
Lyngdoh also urged the government to reconsider its stand and take into consideration the sentiments of the people on the issue of casinos.
