‘Take anti-casino pledge seriously’

SHILLONG, Sep 29: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday recapitulated his anti-casino stand and urged the citizens of the state including stakeholders and pressure groups that the commitment he had given on the floor of the Assembly should be taken seriously.
“I would be in contempt if I give a commitment on the floor of the House without actually meaning it,” Sangma told reporters.
He urged people who have doubt to believe that a statement by the chief minister in the Assembly means serious business.
“I want to make it very clear that the question of going into new gaming zones and areas has been stopped as of now until and unless we are able to discuss it with all stakeholders. It is only then we will decide how we should move forward. Till then everything has been put on hold,” he stated.
Sangma said that all gaming activities would be set up along the border areas and it will have no effect in the state. “So we are working towards a win-win situation where the gaming would be right next to the border and closer to Guwahati and yet we will be able to earn about Rs 500-600 crore in revenue,” he said.
“More than 10 applications for licences are lying with us even today. They have not been processed and we will move forward only after taking the people into confidence,” Sangma said, reminding that the three provisional licences granted in March expired on Thursday.
Sangma further said that the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 was brought in to regulate the existing gaming parlours since they are not regulated at the moment.