Cracking Down on Housie Games in South Goa
The Goa Administration's Latest Move to Combat Illegal Gambling
Goa Administration Pursues Stricter Regulations for Bingo Games
The Goa government has ratcheted up its efforts to stamp out illegal gambling in South Goa, focusing its attention on the popular game of Housie. South Goa District Magistrate Egna Cleetus issued a memorandum on April 5th, ordering officials to beef up surveillance and take appropriate legal action.
According to reports, gambling incidents have been on the rise across the district, including, but not limited to, Housie. Deputy collectors and sub-divisional magistrates have been called upon to scrutinize their jurisdictions for complaints or signs of illicit gambling. They are also instructed to coordinate with local police to carry out raids, inspections, and seize any materials involved in unlawful activities.
The South Goa administration made it clear that, under the Goa Public Gambling Act, 1976, activities like commercial Housie are considered cognizable and punishable offenses. The Act bars gambling in both public and private spaces unless it's conducted with a proper license or legal sanction, the recently issued memorandum clarified.
Crackdown on Housie Games: What You Need to Know
Housie, also known as Tambola or Bingo, has become a high-stakes betting activity that the authorities are keen to put an end to. Residents have reported that housie games are being held in open spaces and community halls, often with hefty entry fees and valuable cash prizes.
Entry fees were said to be around ₹1,000 per participant, with prize pools ranging from ₹5 Lakh to ₹18 Lakh depending on the scale of the event. Despite the ban, some events are believed to have persisted, sparking concerns about selective enforcement.
Weekly Reports and a Wider Crackdown
Sub-divisions have been ordered to submit weekly reports detailing enforcement measures and progress under the directive. This drive is part of the state's broader effort to enforce the Goa Public Gambling Act and stem the tide of unauthorized gaming events.
The Indian Government and Goa in particular seem to be taking a hardline stance against all kinds of illegal gambling and betting. While Housie is a well-known game enjoyed throughout the country, especially during social events, it often straddles the line between an innocent pastime and a serious gamble.
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References:
- The Times of India. (2025, April 6). South Goa hones in on housie games. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/south-goa-hones-in-on-housie-games/articleshow/78408737.cms
- The Indian Express. (2025, April 7). Goa clamps down on Housie games. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/goa/goa-clamps-down-on-housie-games-7838639/
- GoanReporter.in. (2025, April 8). Prohibition of Housie games in Goa. Retrieved from https://www.goanreporter.in/2025/04/prohibition-of-housie-games-in-goa/
Sports betting operators in South Goa might consider diversifying their offerings, as the local authorities have intensified their efforts to eradicate all forms of unlawful gambling, including Housie and sports betting. This crackdown stems from concerns about potentially problematic betting practices associated with these activities, as evident in the increasing incidents of illegal gaming across the district.
