When people think of Myanmar, the first images that come to mind are its golden pagodas, rich Buddhist culture, and colonial architecture. However, lurking beneath this serene surface is a lesser-known yet thriving industry—casinos. While Myanmar officially prohibits gambling, underground casinos have found a way to flourish, especially in border regions. But where exactly are these casinos located? Are they safe? And do the Burmese people themselves engage in gambling? Let’s take a deep dive into this intriguing world.
The Casino Hotspots: A Border Affair
If there’s one name that stands out when talking about gambling in Myanmar, it’s Little Mong La (小勐拉). Officially called Mong La, this town in the eastern part of Shan State, right on the border with China’s Yunnan province, is a gambling haven. The reason for its popularity? It caters almost exclusively to Chinese tourists. Many of the casino staff are also Chinese, making it feel like a mini Macau, albeit far less glamorous and significantly riskier.
Another major gambling hub is Kokang (果敢), located in northern Shan State. Its capital, Laukkai, is home to the infamous Henry Group, a name often linked with both casinos and telecom fraud. With ties to organized crime, Kokang’s casinos are notoriously dangerous, with reports of money laundering, kidnappings, and human trafficking emerging from the region.
These border casinos thrive for several reasons. First, they are conveniently located near their primary clientele—Chinese gamblers. Second, the local population in these areas consists of a significant number of ethnic Chinese, making it easy to find casino workers who speak Mandarin. Third, many of these territories are controlled by ethnic armed groups, rather than the central government, meaning law enforcement is either absent or complicit in casino operations.
Gambling in Myanmar’s Economic Centers
If you assume that Myanmar’s major cities like Yangon (仰光) are free of gambling establishments due to strict government bans, think again. While openly advertised casinos are rare, there are underground operations disguised as entertainment venues. A well-known but discreet casino in Yangon, for instance, operates under the guise of a KTV (karaoke club). With powerful connections to law enforcement, this establishment stays under the radar and reportedly has high-profile Chinese investors among its shareholders.
The Hidden Dangers of Myanmar’s Casinos
Thinking of testing your luck at one of Myanmar’s casinos? You might want to reconsider. Unlike the licensed casinos in Macau or Singapore, Myanmar’s gambling dens are infamous for their unpredictability. Winning big is only half the battle—getting out with your money is the real challenge. There have been cases where winners were denied their earnings or worse, coerced into “donating” their winnings back to the house. Some unlucky gamblers have even been held hostage for ransom.
Additionally, venturing into Myanmar’s northern gambling zones without a local guide is highly risky. Foreigners, particularly Chinese nationals, have been kidnapped before even setting foot inside a casino, only to be held for ransom by criminal gangs. The lack of stable governance in these areas means that once you’re in trouble, there’s little chance of getting official help.
An Attempt at Legalization
Myanmar’s government has flirted with the idea of legalizing casinos in recent years. A proposed bill sought to open legal casinos in Mandalay (曼德勒), Naypyidaw (内比都), and Yangon to attract foreign investment and generate tax revenue. The bill even reached the country’s parliament, but a series of political upheavals, including the 2021 military coup, put an end to the discussion—at least for now.
Interestingly, while the bill aimed to legalize casinos, it also sought to prohibit Burmese citizens from gambling, clearly positioning the industry as a tool for extracting money from foreigners. However, in reality, most Burmese locals are not even interested in gambling. Unlike their Chinese neighbors, many Burmese people—deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions—rarely play card games or bet on luck-based games.
Burmese People and Gambling: A Cultural Perspective
If you ever try to introduce a simple card game to a Burmese local, you might be surprised at how unfamiliar they are with it. Many Burmese citizens, even highly educated ones, have never played poker or even simple matching card games. This lack of gambling culture is primarily due to two reasons:
- A Lack of Exposure – Gambling is not a common pastime among Burmese families. Unlike in China, where games like Mahjong are part of social life, card games are rarely seen in Myanmar’s streets or homes.
- Religious Beliefs – As a predominantly Buddhist country, Myanmar’s cultural and religious teachings discourage gambling. Even when visiting Macau, Burmese tourists often enter casinos just to look around rather than to place bets.
That being said, gambling does exist in Myanmar in specific social contexts. For example, during funerals, it’s common to set up makeshift gambling tables outside the deceased’s home as a way for mourners to pass the time. These small-scale gambling sessions are tolerated by authorities and are seen as a cultural tradition rather than a vice.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Risk?
While Myanmar’s underground casinos may seem like an enticing adventure, they come with a host of risks, from financial scams to physical danger. The central government’s crackdown on gambling remains inconsistent, and in many cases, local authorities are complicit in casino operations. For tourists, the best advice is simple: stay away. The thrill of winning a few extra dollars isn’t worth the potential nightmare of being caught in a legal or criminal web.
For those who prefer a safer alternative, legal casinos in Macau, Singapore, or even Cambodia offer a far more regulated gambling experience. As for Myanmar, its casino industry remains an underworld operation, best left untouched.