![]() But now, as rule of law deteriorates under military rule, they occur openly in this gambling hall every day. Than Htay said before the military seized power in the February 2021 coup, cock fights were held around once a week, often in remote fields. The stakes are over K10 million,” said Ko Naing Htoo*, a member of a community charity group in the township. “These gambling businesses are operating openly. While Shwepyithar is one of several Yangon townships under martial law, and a nightly curfew and ban on gatherings remains in effect across the city, this hasn’t stopped illegal gambling from flourishing. ![]() ![]() “He’s the owner of the cockfighting ring,” Than Htay whispered. Than Htay pointed out a heavily-tattooed man standing in the centre of the ring, wearing a T-shirt and a pulicat longyi, a lower garment commonly worn by gangsters in Yangon. If he loses, he will lose the K50,000,” he said.Īt the official exchange rate, K50,000 is nearly US$24, but trades for closer to US$15 on the black market.Īfter 15 minutes of brutal fighting, Yit turned tail and ran, delivering victory to Chate as his supporters cheered and celebrated. “If a gambler bets K50,000 on Chate and wins, he will take home an extra K30,000. Ko Than Htay*, a regular cockfighting gambler, explained to Frontier that Chate is a more experienced fighter and favoured to win. “Five in favour of Chate will anyone take three in favour of Yit?” shouted a young man as other employees kept track of the bets on a ledger. ![]() “Fight to win! Advance and fight!” shouted the 50 people surrounding the ring, which was inside a large green tent in Yangon’s outer northern Shwepyithar Township. The two fighting cocks squared off, their faces already bloody and ripped-out feathers scattered across the ground. Bribes, lawlessness and growing poverty have fuelled a surge in illegal gambling, driving some punters to ruin and despair and sparking local crime waves. ![]()
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