Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: In the picturesque state of Goa, a pressing concern has emerged as Housie (Lotto) games have transformed from casual pastimes into high-stakes gambling events.
The escalating prize money, often reaching lakhs of rupees, has drawn significant public attention. However, the presence of children at these events poses a serious threat, exposing them to the risks of gambling culture and potential exploitation.
This trend has sparked calls for urgent action from authorities to protect minors.
The situation is particularly alarming because it violates several child protection laws. The Goa Children’s Act, 2003, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, explicitly prohibit exposing children to harmful activities like gambling.
These laws mandate that children be shielded from environments that could negatively impact their well-being.
To address this issue, former Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Peter F. Borges, has urged authorities to enforce strict regulations.
This includes prohibiting children from attending Housie games, monitoring events closely, and launching awareness campaigns to educate parents and community leaders about the dangers of exposing children to gambling environments.
Without immediate intervention, there is a risk of creating a culture where gambling becomes normalized among minors, leading to addiction and financial exploitation.
