Gambling dens in townships across Mon State remain open despite a parliament motion calling for their closure, with authorities citing unstable security conditions as a reason for not taking action.
A source close to the military said gambling and card-game venues, without stage performances, are still operating in Mawlamyine, Paung Township, Chaungzon, Mudon, and Kyaikmaraw Township.
“Saying the area is not yet stable is just a smart way of avoiding a real shutdown. They will keep using instability as an excuse. To avoid drawing attention, they’ve scaled back the stage shows and kept the gambling dens running quietly,” the source said.
However, the source said most of the gambling venues are located in military-controlled areas, so security concerns are only part of the explanation.
Kyaikmaraw Township Constituency No. 2 parliament representative U Than Zaw submitted the motion calling for a ban on Mon State’s long-running gambling dens, which have been operating for months as though they had official approval.
The motion was discussed and approved by the Mon State parliament on June 19. He said efforts to shut down the gambling dens are ongoing, and since motions have been submitted covering all 10 townships, further action will be taken as security conditions improve across all townships.
A Kyaikmaraw resident said arrests are difficult because tax revenue from the dens is shared between the military and armed groups, who provide security and protection while operating openly.
“Business is slower now because it’s the rainy season, not because of the parliament motion. Karen soldiers are stationed near the gambling venues. As long as this land is under their control, whichever government is in power, the profit-sharing arrangement will continue and so will the gambling. I don’t see any sign of it stopping,” the resident said.
Gambling dens continue to draw crowds daily in Kawt Don and Kawt Panaw villages and the Chaungnakwa area of Kyaikmaraw Township.
A scrutiny committee overseeing commitments and guarantees made by the parliamentary government also has the authority to formally summon the government to explain whether approved measures are being implemented.
