Facing criticism, the Meghalaya government has revoked the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 which allowed the setting up of casinos in the northeastern state.
Law and Taxation Minister James K. Sangma said that the state government has repealed the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 which was introduced, aiming to boost tourism, and generate revenue and employment scopes besides regulating gaming in the state.
Before announcing the repeal of the law, James Sangma, the elder brother of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, met the stakeholders which included religious organisations, non-governmental organisations, civil society representatives, traditional Dorbar Shnongs, autonomous and local government bodies, and youth organisations.
The Meghalaya government had earlier issued licences to set up three casinos leading to the protests and agitations of various organisations including the Joint Action Committee Against Casino (JACAC).
In February this year, the Meghalaya Prevention of Gambling Act, 1970 was nullified by the state government.
Though for the past 20-25 years, traditional gambling has been going on in the state with usual archery games being betted upon daily, the state government does not earn any revenue from this informal betting.
ALSO READ : Indian IT spending likely to grow by 13.8 percent in 2022-23.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
