: The busting of the inter-State gambling racket in the city on Friday may have made news, but many say gambling in hotel rooms or guest houses or farm houses is quite common in the city.
For, the clubs that get licences to host card games are only allowed to host games for recreational purposes without any stakes and games such as andhar-bahar, teen patti and poker are prohibited.
“Many wealthy people join hands to play high-stakes games by booking hotel rooms. Making a quick buck is the norm and the stake depends on the reputation,” said a source.
While the stakes and the size of these get-togethers were small in the past, they have grown bigger in recent years, the source said, adding that many, including financiers from the real estate and business sectors with huge disposable incomes, participate.
Another source said many such sessions have financiers who do not play, but are present to lend to those running out of money. “There have been instances where participants have sold jewellery or vehicles at throwaway prices to these financiers. Otherwise, these moneylenders charge around 10 per cent interest for a short-term loan,” the source said.
So, who organises these informal gambling sessions? In many cases, common friends of those participating organise these sessions. These gatherings are also restricted to friends and known people.
“The turnover for a night when the rich participate could even exceed Rs. 2 crore. The organisers take a cut from the stake as their commission and for expenses incurred in organising the sessions,” the source said.
