The number of casinos in Myawady, Kayin State, is growing, according to local sources. Casinos are heavily restricted by Myanmar law, and gamblers around the country are frequently arrested by police.
The Maw La Min Casino is the first of its kind to advertise publicly by erecting a billboard in Ward 5.
Kayin State MP Thant Zin Aung said: “I have told the state government about the casinos. I think I have to say it again since they have begun operating publicly.”
A local resident said: “Gambling was done covertly in the past. But now, it’s an open business. Casinos are running around the clock, even when the electricity is out in the township.”
Myawady receives electricity from Thailand, but power shortages are common due to the variance in voltage units and transformer malfunctions. The town is home to five casinos, and new ones are in the process of opening downtown.
A motorcycle taxi driver said: “Casinos only operated at the border gates back in the day. I’ve heard that most of the patrons were Thai. But now, casinos have found their way downtown. Gambling takes its toll on people’s lives.”
Source: Eleven Myanmar
