Shillong Teer is a daily lottery game played in Meghalaya, a state in North East India. This is different from regular lotteries as it involves archery. Many have been hooked to it, both locally and all over India. It’s easy to play but the mix of skill and luck makes it interesting. Today we will take a deep dive into Shillong Teer, let’s see what it is, how it’s played and why it’s so popular.
What is Shillong Teer?
Shillong Teer is a traditional archery based lottery game. It’s organized by the Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association which has around 12 archery clubs. Unlike regular lotteries where numbers are randomly drawn, Shillong Teer combines archery with lottery style betting.
Two rounds of the game are played every day. Archers shoot at a target and the number of arrows that hit the target is counted. The final count is the winning number. Participants bet on these numbers and win a cash prize.
History of Shillong
Shillong Teer has its roots in Meghalaya’s culture. Archery has been a part of Khasi community for centuries, traditionally used for hunting and warfare. Over time it evolved into a recreational activity and eventually gave birth to the lottery system we see today.
Modern Shillong Teer started in the 1980s. It became an organized event under the Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association. The Meghalaya government officially recognized Shillong in 1982 under the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act. This made it a legal and regulated activity.
How Shillong Teer Works?
The game is played twice a day except Sunday. First round is at 3:45 PM and second round is at 4:45 PM. Here’s how it works:
- Archers Assemble: 50 archers from Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association participate in each round. They shoot at a cylindrical bamboo target from a distance of 50 meters.
- Counting the Arrows: The organizers count the number of arrows that hit the target in each round. First round takes about 5 minutes and around 1500-2000 arrows are shot.
- Winning Number: The total number of arrows that hit the target is the winning number for that round. For example if 754 arrows hit the target in the first round, the winning number for the first round would be the last two digits which is 54.
Bets and Prize: Bets are placed before the round starts. You can bet on a single number (0 to 99) or a combination of numbers. If your number matches the last two digits of the winning number, you win.
Why Shillong Teer is So Popular?
Shillong Teer is popular for:
- Cultural Heritage: The game is deeply rooted in local culture. Archery has always been a part of Khasi tradition and Shillong has kept that tradition alive in modern times.
- Legal and Regulated: Unlike many other forms of betting Shillong is legal and regulated by the government. So players feel secure knowing that the game is fair and transparent.
- Low Entry Fee: The game is for everyone. Bets can start from ₹1 so it’s affordable for all. This is why it’s so popular.
- Combination of Skill and Luck: Shillong is not just a game of luck. The skill of the archers play a big role in the outcome, so it’s exciting and unpredictable.
- Daily Draws: Since the game is played every day except Sunday, players have daily opportunities to play and win. This consistency keeps the excitement going.
How Shillong Teer Affects Meghalaya’s Economy
Shillong Teer is more than a game; it’s a part of Meghalaya’s economy. The game generates huge revenue for the state government in the form of taxes. Besides that it provides employment to many people, those who are involved in organizing the game, selling tickets and working in betting shops.
The money earned from Shillong also comes back to the local economy. Winners use their earnings to buy goods and services, which boosts local businesses. Shillong has created a small but thriving industry in Meghalaya and contributes to the overall economy of the region.
Social Aspect of Shillong Teer
Beyond its economic impact Shillong Teer has a strong social aspect. The game is a daily event that brings people together. Teer counters (betting shops) are spread all over Meghalaya, especially in Shillong. These counters become meeting points where people discuss strategies, share tips and bond over the game.
Shillong Teer has also given birth to a unique form of numerology. Many players believe that dreams can predict winning numbers. It’s common for people to visit “dream interpreters” who help them analyze their dreams and choose the right number to bet on. This belief in the mystical aspect of the game adds to the excitement.
Shillong Teer: A Legalized Betting Case Study
Shillong Teer is a interesting case study in legalized betting. In most of India, betting and gambling is either illegal or heavily restricted. But Meghalaya has taken a different route with Shillong, it has decided to regulate and tax it rather than ban it completely.
This has many benefits. First, it ensures the game is fair with clear rules and oversight. Second, it generates revenue for the government. Third, it provides a legal platform for people who want to bet, so they don’t have to indulge in illegal gambling.
Of course, there are risks involved in betting like addiction. But the government has taken measures to mitigate these risks. For example, there are limits on how much you can bet and the game is only for adults.
How to Play Shillong Teer
Playing Shillong Teer is easy. Here’s a step by step guide:
- Find a Teer Counter: The first step is to find a Teer counter where you can place your bet. These counters are small shops or stalls found all over Shillong and other parts of Meghalaya.
- Place Your Bet: Once you’ve found a counter, you can place your bet. You have to decide which number you want to bet and how much you want to bet. You can bet on a single number (e.g., 45) or a combination of numbers.
- Wait for the Results: After placing your bet, you have to wait for the results. The results of the first round is announced at 4:15 PM and the results of the second round is announced at 5:15 PM.
- Collect Your Winnings: If your number matches the winning number, you can collect your winnings at the Teer counter where you placed your bet. Winnings are paid in cash.
Future of Shillong Teer
Shillong Teer has been around for ages and its popularity is not dying down. But like any traditional game, it faces challenges in this modern world. The rise of online gaming and digital lotteries is a threat, as younger generations may be more inclined towards these new forms of entertainment.
To stay relevant, Shillong may have to adapt. One way is to go digital by offering online betting. This will help the game reach a wider audience while preserving its tradition. And promoting the cultural and historical significance of Shillong Teer will help to keep it alive.
FAQs
What is Shillong?
Shillong is an archery based lottery game played in Meghalaya, India. Archers shoot arrows at a target and the numbers of arrows that hit the target is the winning number. Players bet on these numbers and win cash prizes.
How can I play Shillong?
Visit a Teer counter in Meghalaya, place a bet on a number and wait for the results which is announced in two rounds every day except Sunday. If your number matches the winning number you win cash.
Is Shillong legal?
Yes it is legal and regulated in Meghalaya. Under Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act, 1982.
