For the last three months many gambling establishments have been officially permitted by the authorities in the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) controlled city of Lashio, in Shan State.
Normally, gambling and gambling establishments are illegal in Myanmar.
But, since January 2025 gambling establishments have been operating at festive events that operate under MNDAA permits in Lashio City, such as funfairs and pagoda festivals. The MNDAA is aware that the gambling establishments are operating under the cover of the festivities and it taxes them for the privilege of doing so.
A Lashio Town resident said to Shan Herald: “For example, they arrange funfairs that last for 10 days under the pretext of holding a pagoda festival. These festivities have been ongoing in Lashio [City] for almost three months now. Gambling establishments have also popped up everywhere, and this has been happening since January.”
But it is not just covert gambling establishments operating under the cover of officially permitted festivities. The MNDAA has also been authorising and taxing standalone gambling establishments in Lashio City that openly operate without using the cover of festivities.
In Lashio City, MNDAA authorised and taxed gambling establishments offering a variety of games are flourishing. The MNDAA has allowed gambling establishments, to operate continuously since January, both ones at festivals such as Chinese New Year celebrations and standalone ones.
As a result, locals are concerned about the potential increase in thefts and robberies linked to gambling establishments. Prostitutes are now also operating more openly in Lashio Town, with some even putting up advertising posters in some areas.
Another Lashio resident said: “Thieves are rampant these days. Even funeral homes are being targeted. Gambling establishments are popping up everywhere, and gamblers who lose all their money there often turn to stealing whatever they can get. Locals need to become more vigilant about security. There are even reports that gambling establishments will be allowed to open during Thingyan. [The upcoming Myanmar traditional New Year water festival in mid-April.]”
The MNDAA is preparing to hold a grand Thingyan festival at Lashio City Hall from 13 to 17 April, with plans to feature traditional Thingyan and ethnic dances.
In other MNDAA-controlled areas MNDAA authorised and taxed gambling establishments are flourishing and businesses linked to prostitution, such as KTV lounges, massage parlours, and brothels are on the rise.
