The crackdown by the city police on clubs facilitating card games is driving people indulging in gambling to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Goa States. Those who can afford it are even flying to Sri Lanka to indulge in gambling due to the hassle-free atmosphere there and more options of card games.
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s direction to the police not to allow operation of gambling dens in the guise of ‘clubs’ has resulted in the disappearance of almost all organised dens of gambling although in a few reputed clubs card games are still allowed.
Owners in a dilemma“These clubs are decades old and gambling is not organised as is done by clubs springing up only for sake of gamblers, supplying them snacks and providing free accommodation,” explained a senior police officer, not willing to be identified.
Owners of these clubs had tried in vain to get their gambling centres reopened using their financial and political clout. However, having realised that it was not possible with the Chief Minister outrightly rejecting their pleas, they are weighing the options of starting new businesses.
Looking at foreign shores“We made it clear to hoteliers that they would attract penal action if gambling was allowed by letting out rooms,” says the official. Yet, those addicted to gambling by playing card games have not given up. Reminiscent of tipplers driving to the bordering States of Karnataka and Maharashtra when the government here had prohibited the sale of liquor in united A.P. in the mid-90s, gamblers are rushing to neighbouring States now. Some of them are reportedly not hesitant to even fly to Sri Lanka to try their luck there even if costs a considerable amount, say police sources.
From Hyderabad, the journey is not more than a couple of hours and having tied up with casinos and clubs there, it is becoming one shot and two birds of fun and tourism for them. And, with no hassles of police restrictions!
