Residents of Bilu Island (Chaungzon Township), Mon State, report that local authorities under the military junta are profiting from organized gambling activities, according to the locals.
Village and ward administrators, in collaboration with township-level officials and junta-affiliated military personnel, have allegedly authorized various forms of gambling in the region. These activities are reportedly permitted in exchange for licensing fees collected from organizers.
Gambling has become an increasingly prominent feature of local festivals, with gambling tables integrated into traditional celebrations. In some instances, standalone gambling venues operate without any accompanying events, say local residents.
“Festivals have become more frequent on Bilu Island, but the main focus isn’t the celebrations. The primary aim is to create opportunities for gambling,” a local said. “Gambling tables are prioritized over the festivals themselves. No matter what the event is, gambling is now an inevitable part of it. It’s no longer about community celebrations but has turned into gambling festivals. Authorities, including military junta officials and village administrators, charge around 110,000 kyats per gambling table per night.”
Residents also report that gambling venues attract not only locals from Chaungzon Township but also visitors from nearby areas such as Hpa-An, Paung, Mawlamyine, Kyaikmaraw, and Mudon.
Each gambling venue reportedly generates hundreds of thousands of kyats nightly, with the proceeds being distributed among township-level junta-affiliated organizations, village administrators, and military personnel.
The prevalence of gambling venues has reportedly increased during the open season, particularly around the Thadingyut festival period. These operations rotate from village to village, further expanding their reach.
Residents also claim that the rise in gambling has been accompanied by an increase in theft, robbery, and drug-related crimes in the region, exacerbating local concerns.
