SHILLONG:
The government, on May 20, made it clear that the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 will not be repealed.
Reiterating that the Act is of primary importance to regulate existing gambling parlours, which have been there for the past 25 years in the state, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, said, “Therefore, if we repeal (the Act) then sans regulation, the state will lose close to Rs 8 crore to Rs 10 crore of revenue.”
The chief minister’s remark came on the heels of the growing demands for the repeal of the gaming act from several quarters.
He further maintained that the government is open for dialogue on the issue and is scouting for ways to address all concerns related to the Act.
“Let me be frank, we do need revenue. Since we are a revenue-deficit state, we depend largely on incomes and taxes from the Centre. And if this continues, we will soon have a huge problem in the coming days,” the chief minister said, adding that gambling has been there in Meghalaya for years and it is acceptable in the society.
“But we will not allow gambling activities in Shillong and other major towns. We will make sure that our youth is not impacted by it. Not just the youth, none of the citizens of Meghalaya would be allowed to play or indulge in gambling activities as it will be reserved strictly for the tourists. We are considering all these aspects as well,” reiterated the chief minister.
Earlier on May 18, in a meeting of Group of Ministers (GoM), chaired by Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma, has unanimously decided to impose 28 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on casinos, race courses and online gaming services. And, on April 27, Conrad had said that all gambling activities will take place in areas starting from Byrnihat Bridge towards Jorabat and Khanapara.