The Indian state of Maharashtra is laying grounds for enforcing a decade-old act to legalise casinos.
The state’s home department is studying gaming and casino laws applicable in Goa and Sikkim, including taxation issues involved, before a final deliberation to decide on notifying the pending Maharashtra Casinos (Control and Tax) Act, 1976.
A meeting of all stakeholders, including law, tourism, home, and revenue departments, is being called to reach a decision on legalising casinos by notifying the act, officials said.
The Maharashtra Casinos (Control and Tax) Act was passed by the Legislative Assembly and published in the government gazette in July, 1976, but hasn’t been notified since.
Following a petition challenging the government delay, the Bombay High Court had directed the government to not only notify the pending legislation but also identify locations across the state which could be developed as casino hotspots. A government proposal to promote Matheran as a casino destination has since been gathering dust.
