MARGAO
Asserting that Housie has been a part of Goan sports and culture over the decades, former MLA Adv Radharao Gracias on Thursday said the government should regulate the game of chance by amending the Goa Public Gambling Act to permit Housie in the State.
He also questioned Goa Football Association’s move to request the South Goa district Collector to permit Housie at football tournaments, saying the Collector cannot grant any sanction for Housie at the local tournaments unless the Gambling Act is amended by the government.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the programme organised by the Global Konknni Forum at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Thursday, Adv Radharao said the government must intervene and regulate Housie subject to certain rules. He said the government can earn revenue through the regulation of Housie in the State.
“Housie game is being played at soccer tournaments and other events over the years. In fact, Housie has become part of Goan culture since it was being organised at social get-togethers and local feasts. It is a fact that the prize money for Housie in the past was little that time. The prize amount has gone up now. If the government imposes a blanket ban on Housie, it is like throwing the baby out along with the bath water,” he added.
Radharao also questioned how come the government is allowing casinos in the State, since both casinos and Housie are both game of chance. “If there is something wrong with the conduct of Housie, let the government bring about an amendment to the Gambling Act to regulate Housie in Goa. The government can also earn revenue via sale of Housie tickets,” he added.
