CM Pramod Sawant recently defended his government’s decision to ban the popular community game ‘Housie’ (also known as Tambola). As per an order issued by the South Goa Collector on April 5, such games are considered offences under the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976. The Act clearly states that running or maintaining gaming houses, or organising gambling in public or private places without permission, is illegal and punishable. I’m not here to argue about the Housie ban itself. Personally, I think the game was fine when played within limits. However, I also understand that some people began running it on a much larger scale. What bothers me is this — if the government can crack down on Housie, then why is Matka being allowed to run so openly across Goa? These centres are visible everywhere — near temples, churches, schools and in residential areas. It’s upsetting and concerning.Why the double standards when it comes to Matka? Goa has a strong BJP government, and the same party is in power at the Centre. So why isn’t the BJP either banning or legalising Matka? Or is the real reason that some politicians — including from Goa — are making a lot of money from it under the table?
