In the latest development in Meghalaya, Trinamool Congress, the opposition party, has urged the ruling state government to clarify its stand on the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act. The party seeks clarification as they believe the ‘Act’ has far more severe implications on the people in the state and is not confined to casinos only.

Umroi George B Lyngdoh, TMC’s Umroi legislator, voiced his opinion and said the that the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021, is not limited to the casinos only as it promotes online gaming via several online platforms. He further stated that the legalization of online gambling via the Act will impact sports like cricket, football, and others in the state.

The legislator is circumspect about the Act, which is still being promulgated, as he believes it poses a great threat because of its implications on online betting and online gambling in the state.

“It will have wide-ranging implications on our youths as it will be impossible for the government to track the citizens accessing online gaming and betting,” he said.

It is noteworthy that on Monday, the Assembly rejected a bill that sought to repeal the Gaming Act. The bill was put forward by Adelbert Nongrum, an MLA representing Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM). The bill was rejected by the Assembly via a voice note.

Nongrum had tabled the bill in the wake of growing concerns in the state regarding the impact of online gambling and betting on the youth. The ruling party has faced strong opposition from several groups, including the church. Nongrum further said that the government will have to access what is more important for them. The revenue generated through gaming or the moral integrity of the residents in the state.

Lambor Malngiang, the advisor to the chief minister, also expressed his desire to repeal the Act and cancel all the gaming and gambling licenses issued to casinos in the state so far.