Is Gambling Banned in Bhutan?

“Thud…thud…” I always hear the sound from the house next to where I stay along with some voices.  I thought that neighbors were busy collecting the bhukhari woods for the winter and   they are cutting the big log into pieces so that it can be used easily. But this thought didn't convince me and I wondered why they are fetching so early because it is still the summer.

So, I went near them to find out what they were up to. Then I saw a group of old- aged men playing Parala in a great zest making loud noises, playing icily. I realized where the Thud sound came from. They raised their hand high into air holding a small cup with a pair of dice inside and the cup-like container came with full force on a circular, semi-hard pad on the floor.

Urban life is totally different from village life. In village, our parents were sweating a lot by cutting big log into pieces for varieties of functions, like to cook food for them and animals. Contrary to such struggles, here in urban area people waste their energy, times and space to unlawful activities which make people physically, emotionally and financially broke. That is something self destructive which I always tease my friends comparing such activities to a jobless monkey rubbing its ass on a rock.

Though, I heard that gambling is prohibited in our country I could see many people play anywhere and everywhere; some even play along the roadside and in front of their shops, sitting in a circle and playing without any hesitation. In all over the districts during Tshechu time people are always fond of involving in gambling. But after many flaws and terrible issues being raised like there were many chaos and misunderstanding between the owners and customers, the authority has stopped that business and nowadays we don’t see it being played during any festivals and even on Tshechu days like before.

And it confuses me whether it is banned during Tshechu time only or it is banned completely. Nowadays, the game is going rampant everywhere - people playing lavishly and nobody seems to care about it.

The adult people have to live by example and show positive attitudes and healthy ways of life to younger generation. We must not forget that nowadays generations are both clever and intelligent.  I heard playing cards, Parala and other gambling are bad games because it could lead to huge loss. Some people spend money as if they were rich but back home all the anger is thrown at their family. Family gets distorted, and there is no peace in the house.

First they play for fun with their friends, gradually they start playing for money, and then they feel great when they get money and continue to play.  After that they become addicted and play for huge amounts. When they are out of money, they play and gamble on their properties like cars, house and land in certain degree. Everything is lost to other and they go for credits, and at last commit suicide after not being able to pay back the credits. The main cause of such discomforts and distresses can be playing of vacuity game only.

I have come across the story of wives being exchanged by the two men by playing the cards and Parala. Some men make plaything on their wife. It is very shameful to hear such stories!

So, I make earnest request here that under the reign of our beloved kings and under the real Buddha, the Je khenpo, let’s not engage ourselves in such harmful and self-destructive activities. Such games will never and ever bring happiness at any cost. They could rather ruin whatever little happiness we have. Moreover, it causes a lot of disturbance to neighbours. I feel the concerned authority has to look at the matter and do away with the game on condition that if it reoccurs the person shall be guilty of serious consequences.