By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government is contemplating to modernize the age-old gambling practice associated with the traditional game of archery, (popularly called ‘teem or teer’ in local parlance) with the help of Scotland-based micro gaming company, the NEC Group of Companies.
“We are planning to make the traditional gambling bigger. We are in the process of signing an agreement with the Scottish firm to modernize the traditional gambling,” Health and Family Welfare Minister AL Hek told reporters on Friday.
As part of the modernization process, the Government is planning to bring in a map of national and international games by tying up with this reputed firm, Hek said.
“Besides generate more
revenue, this new initiative would also help to promote tourism in the State. It would also help create employment opportunities,” Hek said.
S Bhattacharyya, a representative of the Scottish firm, said that the firm would want to promote this traditional game not only in the country but throughout the world.
While stating that gaming is a big industry, Bhattacharyya said if ‘teer’ is promoted and packaged well it can help the State in generating more revenue and also preserve as well as showcase this indigenous game.
“Blending ‘teer’ with modern technology would help to revolutionize the game and make it into a big event. People from across the globe can participate in the game by going ‘online’,” he said.
Representatives of the Scottish firm, who are currently in the city, paid a visit to Polo Grounds on Friday for an on-the-spot experience of the age-old form of gambling.
According to Bhattacharyya, the company would have to conduct a study on ‘teer’ to understand the nature of the game so that proper ‘software’ could be designed for the game.
“We will be planning on how to go about executing the game at the international level,” he said
“We would soon submit a proposal to the Meghalaya government on the project. This process would take some more time before the deal is finalized,” the representative said, while refusing to divulge any details on the ‘cost of the project’.
Claiming that the company would bring transparency by using modern technology, Bhattacharya assured that the company will ensure that the software will be foolproof against ‘game fixing’ as it would be designed to prevent any such activity.