Some fun for tourists at top hotels? Maya game

The move is aimed at attracting tourists to the state, state government officials said.

While permission for casinos could have not been granted without amendments in the Entertainment Act and the Gambling Act, for which approval of the President is necessary, the ‘‘electronic entertainment devices’’ can be set up in hotels without having to go through any legal procedures.

To ensure that the permission is not misused, the state government has said that licences for the devices would be given only after they are approved by a high-power committee, which is yet to be set up, and the same will be sent to the Chief Minister for her final decision through the Industrial Development Commissioner. The committee will have as its members the principal secretary, Tourism, secretary, Industrial Development, principal secretary, Stamp and Registration, and commissioner, Entertainment Tax.

‘‘While casinos involve real gambling, these devices will provide entertainment with nothing big at stake. Most tourists go to Agra but don’t want to spend nights there because there is no night recreation. These devices will certainly help attract tourists,’’ said an official in the State Industrial Development Department.

‘‘These devices are not for consumption of the general public and have been allowed with the sole purpose of boosting tourism in the state. Punitive action would be taken against hotel owners found misusing the devices,’’ the official pointed out.

UP hoteliers, who had been demanding permission for casinos, raised their pitch after Haryana allowed its hotels to set up casinos. However, the Uttar Pradesh government had been rejecting the demand, keeping the legal aspect in mind.