The age-old game of Housie, once synonymous with social gatherings and family events, continues to be a headline-dominating phenomenon and is on a roll despite the strictures. With huge cash payouts, Housie not only continues to catch the attention of avid players across South Goa but has also drawn the scrutiny of authorities attempting to curb this dangerous trend. Despite the ban imposed by the South Goa district Collector, Egna Cleetus, Housie events dominate the local space, sprawling across areas like Salcete, Sanguem, Mormugao, Quepem, and Canacona.
The allure of huge cash prizes, ranging from Rs 5 lakh to a staggering Rs 40 lakh, has spurred a remarkable uptick in interest, reflecting not just the game’s popularity but also its transformation into a vehicle for potential exploitation. The question now is whether a uniform ban is fair.
Housie has often been presented as an avenue for entertainment, intertwined with local spirit during sports tournaments, particularly football finals and most social functions, including picnics and parties. Authorities cannot enforce a blanket approach due to Housie’s historic role as a social and family entertainer. There is no denying that sports organizers have cleverly leveraged Housie as an attraction to draw more spectators, although it may not be considered a sporting way.
In the wake of the Collector’s memorandum, it appears the order has not deterred organizers. Advertisements for Housie continue to pop up unabashedly, indicating glaring discrepancies in enforcement. Reports suggest political influence may afford select organizers impunity, raising serious questions about the integrity of the enforcement bodies. The potential for corruption, driven by political affiliations, could be an unintended consequence of the ban, echoing past experiences with other outlawed activities, such as bullfighting and matka. Bullfighting continues to flourish in pockets of Goa with large attendance, and there is betting on the sidelines too. It is baffling how a gathering of thousands manages to give police the slip, or for that matter, how police skip matka joints in nooks and corners of villages.
The authorities find themselves at a crossroads as Housie organizers innovate ways to circumvent bans. Advertising awards in the form of points rather than cash is one such attempt to dance around the law. Yet, this might only prolong the issue, allowing the underbelly of illegal gaming to thrive. Rumours of a syndicate profiting from Housie add another layer of complexity, with revenue motives overshadowing social responsibility.
The challenge for authorities lies in striking a balance. A complete and draconian crackdown on Housie may stifle community engagement. Instead, a two-pronged approach may be warranted -- one that views Housies with a revenue motive and another as social entertainment. In this regard, authorities could also add a rider on winnings. Community education on the risks associated with gambling and targeted support services for those affected may not help in the current scenario going by the turnout that is witnessed at these mega Housie events.
Eventually, the question remains whether we can salvage Housie as a form of social entertainment while eradicating its darker facets. The people of Goa deserve a way forward that not only captures the spirit of connection and fun but also safeguards its members from the predatory practices that have emerged. Time is of the essence, and the authorities must act decisively and transparently to regain public trust in their commitment to maintain the fabric of Goa.
