Penalty Sections Amended In Goa Public Gambling Act
The Goa Public Gambling Act (Bill No. 42 of 2021) came into force on July 30. The financial sanctions for keeping a gaming house, for being found in one, and for gambling or setting bird or animal fights in public spaces were raised. Maximum penalties under the act are increased to 7,000 from the previous 5, thousand rupees. The law was first adopted in 1976 when Goan was part of the Union Territory of Goans, Daman and Diu.
Goa is one of the few states or territories of India that allows brick-and-mortar casinos. Meghalaya joined the list in March 2021. Nagaland allows online games of skill. Goa organizes lotteries. The Directorate of Small Savings and Lotterie runs up to 4-5 daily draws.
12.5% of Goan men play Matka more than once a month or up to three times a week. Study by Sangath found a correlation between gambling and work-related problems, interpersonal violence, tobacco use, and alcohol use disorders.
Margao police patrol unit searched a location at the Gandhi market on suspicion of a Covid-19 curfew breach. 11 people were arrested and they confiscated ₹ 80,000 in cash and 11 computer configurations worth 3,10,00. A resident of Cogol, Margao was caught organizing online roulette.
The eventual regulation of online casinos by the Goa legislative body would work toward solving the problems associated with gambling while still exploiting the benefits. The advertisement is an advertorial and a paid feature. It is solely the responsibility of the reader to verify and confirm anything stated/featured before attaching any credibility to it. The readers are strictly advised to be cautious and careful. They are also advised not to engage in any illegal gambling/gaming activity. ABP is not responsible for any losses incurred or for other consequences.