Maharashtra government considering casinos legalisation

The Home Department is examining the possibility of notifying the pending Maharashtra Casinos (Control & Tax) Act, 1976.

India.- The government of Maharashtra may be considering to legalise casinos in the Indian state. The Home Department is examining the possibility of notifying the pending Maharashtra Casinos (Control & Tax) Act, 1976 and its decision on the matter is expected to be announced by the end of May.

The Public Gambling Act of 1867 is a Central Law that prohibits running or being in charge of a public gaming house. Opponents claim that gambling leads to crime, corruption and money laundering whilst supporters of a regulated gambling system in India argue that it can be a huge source of revenue for the State.

Bombay High Court has called on the Maharashtra Government to take the decision within six months since gambling in India is a state subject and only states are entitled to formulate laws for gambling activities within their respective states.

Reports say that a meeting of all stakeholders, including revenue, tourism and law, has been called by the home department to take the final call on the long-pending issue in the coming week.