Residents in several areas of Mon State say they are increasingly disturbed by the spread of gambling dens operating with the permission of groups under the military junta.
In townships such as Mawlamyine, Mudon, Chaungzon, Kyaikmaraw, and Paung, gambling venues have recently proliferated under the pretext of holding religious festivals. Locals report that these activities have intensified in recent weeks.
A woman from Pein Hne Kone village in Kyaikmaraw Township, where one such gambling site is active, said the nightly noise has made it nearly impossible for residents to sleep.
“There’s gambling every night, and it’s been getting louder lately. We can’t sleep properly at all. Our house is close to the site, so the noise is terrible. It’s gotten so bad that my mother and I even discussed renting another place to sleep at night. They claim these are ‘religious festival’ events, but the gambling continues all year. People nearby are really upset. I heard they’ve rented the land for five years,” she said.
In Mawlamyine, gambling dens disguised as religious festivals are being set up on a rotating basis across different wards—each lasting more than ten days. Residents say both locals and travelers are being affected.
“Whenever a ward hosts a festival, the whole street fills with gambling stalls. Some last ten days, others fifteen. When gambling is happening, it’s impossible to pass through that road—it’s overcrowded with people. Nearby households shut their doors tightly at night, afraid of theft. The situation is getting worse. Honestly, Mawlamyine probably has the most gambling dens compared to other areas. For each festival, there are at least 50 or more stalls,” a city resident said.
In Chaungzon Township, locals report that gambling events disguised as shows or festivals are held year-round, rotating from village to village. They say the problem has led to rising family conflicts and increased motorcycle thefts.
“The gambling never stops—it’s open every day, every month. There are no breaks. Motorcycles are being stolen more often near these sites. Gambling affects not just those who play, but also the surrounding community. Families are fighting; men lose money and argue with their wives. They sell their homes and motorbikes. Many people’s livelihoods are ruined, and some end up leaving for Thailand,” said a resident of Chaungzon.
Since the military coup, residents say the breakdown of law and order has allowed groups under the military junta—including police, soldiers, and local administrators—to collect large bribes from business owners in exchange for permission to operate gambling venues.
