Myanmar government warns private telecomm firms to eschew online gambling

Soe Thein, the director general of the Myanmar Department of Posts and Telecommunications, did not mince his words this week in a letter warning private telecommunications firms to stay away from any aspect of online gambling, either directly or indirectly, on pain of being shut down.

The official said that the majority of internet gamblers use mobile phone top-ups to play, which he said was a fraudulent practice at odds with government’s efforts to prevent illegal online gambling.

“This statement will be sent to all telecommunications companies, and if they break the rules, they will face legal action and be shut down without further warning,” he threatened.

Industry observers note that with the World Cup football about to kick off in Russia, Myanmar’s government is probably following usual practice in firing advance warning shots to remind companies of their responsibility.