Sikkim Amends Law To Ban Locals From Entering Casinos

Casinos in Sikkim
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  • PG News July 7, 2016
  • 2 Minutes Read

In a breaking news, it was reported that Sikkim has amended its laws to ban locals from casinos, besides enhancing entrance fees for patrons to the same. The move is expected to be detrimental for the state’s two casinos, which receive the majority of their revenues from state residents.

According to Glaws.in, the Sikkim Casinos (Control & Tax) Rules, 2007 was amended to ban locals from entering or playing at live casinos in the state. The notification was published in the official gazette on July 4, with a sub-rule stating that –

“In order to safeguard the interest of the local peoples, only persons having the photo identity card, either voter identity card or Aadhar card or Passport issued from outside the State of Sikkim will be permitted for entry into the Casinos.”

As can be seen in the above statement, the amendment has a loophole though, where a resident of Sikkim could enter a casino, with proof of identity showing another state as their domicile.

It was mentioned that the amendment was in keeping with Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s (cover image) assurance in the legislative assembly in July last year that locals would be deterred from entering casinos. Casinos failing to adhere to the new rule could face cancellation or suspension of their licenses. It was also noted that the new amendment applied only to casinos and not to online betting or gaming outlets in the state.

In a blow to other patrons of casinos, entrance fees were hiked from INR 500 to INR 1,000 as per the amendment.

Sikkim has two casinos situated in five-star hotels, with one in the Hotel Royal Plaza and the other in the Mayfair Resort. Delta Corp as reported earlier, will be opening a third casino in the Hotel Welcom Heritage Denzong Regency.

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