April 2023 | Is it a gamble or a game?
I was brought up believing that playing cards was a bad activity only undertaken by insensitive, so-called “bad people.” Then, I entered a phase where I started learning how to play (with actual money), which I discovered was called gambling. That was when I began to understand that it is not actually legal anywhere on Earth, not even here in Laos. Such a taboo to be called a bad person for being involved with it.
But here’s the fun part: it’s not legal in Laos, but if you attend a funeral, a birth, a housewarming event, etc., it is somewhat okay! There, you’ll see people playing different card games at multiple sets of tables with big piles of cash and plenty of motivation. All that, the main purpose is to keep the event lively. It sounds bizarre enough, but I personally find this very uniquely adorable. These card games keep people engaged in the events for longer periods; the money isn’t necessarily the goal here—it’s the laughter, the companionship, and a lot of nonsensical stuff that bonds people together.
I forgot to mention there is a commission bowl in each table which goes to the host (the house of the events). It is not compulsory, but the players would happily put some money in the bowls if they win many times in a row. On the opposite side, if you lose so much, you might want to increase your luck by dumping some cash in that magic bowl too. I think the makes sense, since food and drink are being served free-flow.
Mentioning money isn’t the goal. But! we have this saying: “We are very generous outside of the game, but a penny means everything—you can’t bargain!”