Housie ban threatens inter-village football, GFA to meet affected clubs

Panaji: Goan football is alive and kicking in the villages.
Top-tier football events like the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League and Second Division I-League have some of the best footballers in action, yet draw less than satisfactory crowd. It’s the opposite for inter-village tournaments: there are amateur footballers in action but playing to a packed crowd.
Inter-village football tournaments, more popular in south Goa, Salcete specifically, survive on the generosity of politicians, well-wishers and the good old game of Housie. Several football clubs generate revenue with Housie or Tambola during half time of football matches.
Now that source of income is under threat with the South Goa district magistrate issuing a directive to all deputy collectors and sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) to intensify enforcement against illegal gambling activities throughout the district. In a memorandum issued on Tuesday, district magistrate Egna Cleetus cited growing concerns over unauthorised gambling operations, particularly Housie games and similar activities conducted without proper licences.
“The directive has caused widespread concern among football clubs, particularly during the inter-village tournament season, where Housie games have traditionally served as a key source of revenue to support club activities throughout the year,” the Goa Football Association (GFA) said in a statement on Wednesday.
In response to the recent circular, the GFA has called for a meeting with all affiliated clubs from South Goa. Recognising the serious impact of the ban on the grassroots football ecosystem, the GFA intends to collate the views of all affected clubs and submit a comprehensive memorandum to the district collector seeking necessary intervention and relief.
The meeting will be held at the GFA office in Margao on Monday at 5.30pm.
“All clubs from South Goa are urged to attend and actively participate in the discussion, which will help shape the content and direction of the memorandum. The GFA remains committed to supporting its member clubs and ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of Goan football,” reads the statement.
Housie is a popular, fun, social game played during parties, events and festivals. It is played with 15 numbers on each coupon ranging from 01 to 90. Number coins are randomly picked from a box, and participants cross the number off their ticket if they have it after each number is called out. There are several ways to play – Jaldi five, top line, middle line, bottom line and full house – but the most popular form remains Jaldi five where the coupon with the first five number gets the prize.