Meghalaya may lose Rs 10 crore revenue if gambling act is repealed: CM

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 21, 2022

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday ruled out the possibility of repealing the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021.

Speaking to reporters, Sangma said the Act is required for regulating the existing gambling parlours, which have been there for the past 25 years in the state.

“Therefore, if we repeal (the Act) then there will be nothing to regulate and we will only be losing close to Rs 8 crore to Rs 10 crore of revenue,” he explained.

Also Read | Opp leader asks MDA govt not to brand Meghalaya as a gambling state

His statement came in the wake of the growing demands for repealing the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021.

The chief minister however assured that the state government has no intention to come up with casinos anywhere in or around major towns and cities of the state.

Also Read | Disciplinary action against certain NPP MLAs started: Conrad

“We are very clear on that. If there is a way which we can get revenue and at the same time ensure we don’t allow it to be part of Shillong and other major towns so that our youth are not impacted and ensure our youth don’t play and none of the citizens of Meghalaya are allowed to play – we are examining all those aspects,” he disclosed.

Also Read | Meghalaya HC threatens to issue ‘harsh’ directions against Govt over failure to resolve Jowai garbage issue

He further maintained that the government is open for dialogues and find ways to address all concerns related to the issue as according to him, gambling has been there in Meghalaya and it is acceptable by society.

“Let me be frank, we do need revenue. (Since) we are a revenue deficit state, we depend largely on the incomes and taxes that come from the central government. In that case we will have a huge problem in the coming days and years from the point of mining our revenues have come down and so many other activities are coming up and funds are required to run all of this,”  the chief minister stated.