In a bid to generate much-needed new revenues, the taxation minister for the Indian state of Meghalaya, James PK Sangma, has announced a Gaming Act and proposals to introduce casinos and online gaming for tourists.
Mr. Sangma says that the new Gaming Act will facilitate the issuing of licenses to operators to conduct games of skill and chance both land-based and online environments.
“As we have seen in many states, this venture has positive impacts not just in terms of revenues but also in terms of generating employment opportunities from the vibrant tourism industry,” Sangma told local media.
The proposed new legislation will allow tourists and visitors only to participate in gaming and betting, having provided proof of residency in the countries or states.
Meghalaya will become the third state in the northeast of India to legalise gambling, following on from Sikkim and Nagaland.
