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Puducherry to legalize casinos after 3 years deliberations

We have come a long way into the gaming and casino scenarios in the country and several states have taken a leap to allow the same. Recently, the Puducherry government is also on the path to legalize and permit casinos in the region to promote the tourism industry after three years of deliberations.

The elected government headed by Chief Minister V Narayanasamy has made his mind and accepted the decision to allow casinos in the state for the purpose of boosting state revenues. On 27 December, the CM stated, “Puducherry is a tourist destination. We will do all that’s required to attract tourists. There are casinos in Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, and in India, Nagaland, Goa, and Sikkim have casinos. We will bring in regulations if you want.”

However, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) Kiran Bedi differed in opinion, raising objection saying that the “wolf of gambling” should be away from a spiritual and pristine Puducherry. She also added that casinos in the region will affect domestic life and international tourists which will lead to social problems.

The CM further defied that Bedi does not have any authority to decide whether the casinos will be allowed in the territory and that Bedi is working with a revengeful attitude towards the elected government. Narayanasamy added that the plan will be beneficial as Puducherry is in severe need of funds and allowing lotteries, casinos, and breweries will improve the situation of the state. He further added that the Union Territory has been placed in the top ranks in governance, public health, human resources development, law and order, and security.

However, Narayanasamy was on his mission since 2016, aggressively trying to promote tourism. He was open to allowing offshore casinos in the region, on the lines of Goa. Back then the BJP led opposition contradicted towards the move, stating that it would encourage unhealthy practices of gambling and alcoholism in the local youngsters.

The State Health and Tourism Minister Malladi Krishna Rao also said that the cabinet is looking forward to permitting casinos in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. The government officials from Puducherry also proposed an official tour to Goa to evaluate the model of allowing casinos. For latest updates on poker news and tournaments around the world, keep reading GutshotMagazine.com and stay tuned!

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