Illegal card game Pass thrives amid economic hardship in Honiara

In Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, the illegal card game Pass has surged in popularity as residents seek alternative income sources amid economic difficulties. Irene, a 43-year-old teacher, shared her experience: "I don’t have money left but I’ve asked the kids to run me some... Gambling is a bad thing. Sometimes, other people who don’t have money steal from mothers." Despite her reservations, she continues to play, having made SBD$500 ($62) for the week, nearly matching her teacher's salary.

The game, which involves players betting on card sequences, has proliferated across the city, with dealers like 19-year-old Ben earning SBD$500 weekly. Gordon, a 29-year-old supplier, noted, "We make SBD$12,000 per week on this table," highlighting the financial incentives driving the informal gambling economy. Youth advocate Phillip Subu attributed the rise of Pass to high unemployment rates, stating, "It’s getting out of hand because a lot of people here in Honiara don’t have employment. The biggest cause is unemployment."

Despite police efforts to curb the game through operations like Stopem Gambling, which resulted in multiple arrests, the game continues to thrive. Assistant Commissioner Jimson Robo emphasized, "The issue is illegal, and police are warning the public to refrain from playing Pass." However, many locals view the game as a necessary means of survival, fostering community bonds in the process. Irene remarked, "These people are my wantoks [friends]."

Power Read: The rise of Pass illustrates the deepening economic crisis in Honiara, where formal employment opportunities are scarce. As more residents turn to informal gambling as a means of survival, the government faces a challenge in balancing law enforcement with the socio-economic realities of its citizens. The proliferation of Pass not only highlights the desperation of many but also empowers local business owners who capitalize on the demand for such informal activities. The police's inability to effectively dismantle this burgeoning underground economy exposes the limitations of their authority in the face of widespread economic distress.

What to watch: Monitor upcoming police operations against illegal gambling and any potential government responses to the economic conditions driving residents to games like Pass.