Despite strong opposition, Meghalaya government has issued licences to set up three casinos

Despite strong protest from different quarters, Meghalaya government has issued licences to set up three casinos.

Meghalaya Taxation Minister James P.K. Sangma told the state assembly on Monday, “There are huge competitions to attract the tourists. The other North eastern states have a similar topography like Meghalaya and the states also have historical and archaeological sites. To attract the tourists, we have to give them some additional amusement.”

The Joint Action Committee Against Casino (JACAC) and other organisations have been strongly agitating against the setting up of casinos. The JACAC would hold a public meeting in Nongpoh on September 23 to decide on the further course of action on the issue.


JACAC Secretary Ferdynald Kharkamni said they are upset over the government’s decision, which also contradicts Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s earlier assurance.

He pointed out that people of Meghalaya are not familiar with casino-type gambling which are now operating in Sikkim and Goa.

The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) criticised Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government for introducing the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021, to pave the way for casinos.

Meghalaya United Christian Forum (MUCF) expressed “apprehension and shock” over the state government’s decision to legalize gambling and online betting for tourists coming to the state.

The MUCF in a statement earlier said that online gambling and casinos might generate a lot of revenue for the government but the bigger question is whether people are willing to pay the price and are they ready to bear the repercussions of such an endeavour on the society at large.

In February this year Meghalaya Prevention of Gambling Act, 1970 was nullified by the state government. The state cabinet approved the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Ordinance, 2021.

Traditionally there is gambling in the state with 'teer' or traditional archery games. However, the state government is not getting revenue from this informal betting.