SHILLONG, Sep 21: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Thursday ruled out the repeal of the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, asserting that it was required to regulate gaming activities while the concerns of the public about casinos have been addressed.
“Why should we repeal the Gaming Act, which is required to regulate (existing forms of gaming)? The casino is the buzzword right now, but we have had teer for decades without anyone objecting to it,” he said.
Tynsong said the state government brought in the law to regulate activities such as bullfighting, fishing and jackpot. These, he added, need guidelines and rules so that things do not go beyond the legal limits.
He insisted the Cabinet was never bypassed by the department.
He said the chapter on casinos has virtually been closed after the government decided not to open them in view of the opposition from religious groups, NGOs and traditional heads. The probational licenses issued for operating the casinos will lapse after six months, he pointed out.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya United Christian Forum (MUCF) has urged the state government to repeal the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act in view of the genuine concern for the negative socio-cultural and economic fallout that will arise out in the state due to the plans of the government to open gambling casinos in the state.
Lauding the decision to temporarily put on hold licensing and approval for operation of the casinos, the MUCF asked the government to reconsider its plans to operationalise gambling sites. The MUCF said it believes that any kind of policy without morality will eventually lead to destruction of the community and the society.
