In a decisive move against the proliferation of casino culture in the state, the Maharashtra government presented a series of bills on the first day of the assembly session. Among them is the proposal to repeal the “Maharashtra Casinos (Control and Tax) Act, 1976,” alongside amendments to the “Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.”
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the assembly, stated, “This bill will permanently repeal the Maharashtra Casino Act. I have consistently advocated against allowing casinos in the state. The existing law, in effect since 1976, has been a subject of frequent legal battles. Considering the aspirations of the youth in our state, we, as a cabinet, made the decision to repeal this act, and today it has been approved in the assembly.”
The government’s move reflects a long-standing stance against the casino industry, with Fadnavis highlighting the persistent legal challenges faced over the years. He emphasized that the decision to repeal the act is in alignment with the current sentiments and preferences of the state’s younger generation.
In addition to the repeal of the Casino Act, the government introduced bills to amend the Chit Funds Act of 1982, the Maharashtra Apartment Ownership Act of 1970, and the Maharashtra Public Universities Act of 2016.
Fadnavis, who also serves as the Home Minister, presented the bill for amending the Casinos Act, stressing that the original legislation aimed to regulate casinos and impose taxes on betting activities. Despite the act being poised to take effect upon a government notification, the government now firmly believes that allowing casinos in the state is not in the public interest.
Furthermore, the Maharashtra GST Act is slated for amendments, with a focus on defining terms such as “virtual digital asset,” “specified actionable claims,” “online gaming,” and “online money gaming.” The proposed changes include a new clause mandating registration for individuals transferring funds for online gaming to someone within India from overseas. The amendments seek to clarify the tax implications of claims associated with or made through online gaming, horse racing, and casinos.
