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Goa Government Plans to Crack Down On Housie Games

The Goa government has intensified its crackdown on illegal gambling in South Goa, placing particular emphasis on curbing housie games. South Goa District Magistrate Egna Cleetus issued a memorandum on 5th April , directing officials to strengthen surveillance and take appropriate legal action when needed, according to reports. 

The directive cites a rise in gambling incidents across the district, “including but not limited to housie.” Deputy collectors and sub-divisional magistrates have been tasked with monitoring their jurisdictions for complaints or signs of illegal gambling. They are also instructed to coordinate with local police to carry out raids, inspections, and seize any materials involved in unlawful activities.

The South Goa administration has reaffirmed that, under the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976, activities like commercial housie fall under cognizable and punishable offences. The Act prohibits gambling in both public and private spaces unless conducted with proper licensing or legal sanction, the recently issued memorandum clarified.

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The renewed crackdown follows a wave of complaints about housie games being organized in open spaces and community halls, often involving entry fees and substantial cash prizes. Residents allege that these events, sometimes run by private groups or clubs without official approval, have become increasingly common. Entry fees were reportedly around ₹1,000 per participant, with prize pools ranging from ₹5 Lakh to ₹18 Lakh depending on the scale of the event.

The administration clarified that its action is not aimed at private or family gatherings. The memorandum instructs officials to closely monitor advertisements and promotions for housie or similar events, and to coordinate with the police for swift enforcement. Legal action will be taken against those organizing or participating in unlicensed gambling activities.

Additionally, all sub-divisions have been ordered to submit weekly reports detailing enforcement measures and progress under the directive. This initiative is part of the state’s wider effort to implement the Goa Public Gambling Act and combat the surge in unauthorized gaming events.

The Indian Government and Goa in particular seems to be going all out against all kinds of illegal gambling and betting. While housie is a household game and is played majorly all over the country, it really becomes all the more popular during social functions like New Year’s Eve.

With the crackdown beginning months prior to such events, people have more time to be wary and avoid the game.Gambling is illegal all over India, and Housie is a game that comes dangerously close to the description of a gamble, where people can win on chance. 

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