Out of Mon State’s 10 townships, Thaton Township experiences the highest rate of gambling. 73 gambling cases took place across Mon State, between January to July in 2016, and 18 of those arrests occurred in Thaton Township, according to Mon State Police Force.
The Mon State Police Chief Bo Bo Oo, stated the above on Friday, August 12, at a reporting conference directed by police chiefs and the Home Affairs Ministry.
“The majority of the arrested gamblers were low to middle-class people [from the community]. This happens because they expect profits as they are underpaid in their jobs or jobless, as well as the effect of high living costs,” said Police Chief Bo Bo Oo.
The Police Chief added, that the people who gamble are always losing. Therefore, crimes such as theft, robbery and pocket lifting were committed. These are threats to security and the rule of law, while gambling also leads to poverty. Thus, it is also necessary to arrest and quash the bankers and dealers involved in this illegal activity.
The 73 gambling cases include lottery, card-games, football and cock-fighting. Thaton Township had the highest instance with 18 cases, followed by Moulmein Township with 16 cases, Paung Township with 12 cases, Kyaik Htoo with 11 cases, Belin Township with 8 cases. Further down were Kyaikmayaw with 3 cases, Thanbyuzayat with 3 cases, Chaungzone Township and Ye Township with one arrest apiece.
These arrests indicate that there are more cases of illegal gambling yet to be exposed and that taking down the people running these syndicates is of utmost importance.
“It is necessary to find the bankers and dealers and arrest them. Whether the 100-day project is finished or not, the bankers involved in gambling must be arrested. Therefore, it is necessary to urge the district police forces and township police forces to find them and charge them,” said Police Chief Bo Bo Oo.
The Mon News Agency’s Rule of Law (Mon State) reports published in January, 2016 and July, 2015, showed that gambling on two-three digit lotteries and football matches were widespread.
