Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday said if in future the question of coming up with casinos arise, it will only be near Guwahati border and not in any part of Meghalaya.
Talking to the media, Sangma said different forms of gaming, online and offline, have been taking place for the past 25 years in Shillong or other towns. There are gaming parlours that are functioning till today.
The CM said there are no rules to regulate them and when that happens then technically it’s not a legalized system of functioning. He said the objective of the government, while they work towards bringing in a law, is to ensure that these gaming parlours or activities that already there are regulated.
“There is a need to regulate because there are certain forms or taxes and revenue that the state can earn,” said Sangma.
Concerning the aspect of coming up with a casino or future expansion on those lines, the chief minister made it clear that the government needs a revenue source.
“So much of revenue is required for different needs of government employees, teachers, and several others. While we look at revenue, how do we ensure that the social funding of the state can be met,” he said.
“To minimise these aspects in the future, if there is any kind of a move, we are clear that it will not be beyond Byrnihat area. We are looking at an area that is going to be beyond Byrnihat in Khanapara and in that area that is bordering Guwahati because the market is much bigger there,” said Sangma.
The chief minister said there was no question of bringing any such new activities to Shillong or Tura.
Sangma added, “In these casinos, locals won’t be allowed. Strong regulations will be put so that locals can’t come in and, if they do, then it will lead to the operator’s licence being cancelled. A proper monitoring system will be in place.”
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