Real Money Fishing Games: Are They Legal in Myanmar?
Real money fishing games online, where players can wager and win real money based on their “catches,” have gained popularity globally. But if you’re in Myanmar, engaging in these games involves navigating a complex and restrictive legal landscape. So, are shooting fish games legal in Myanmar? The short answer is: generally no, especially for Myanmar citizens.
Understanding Myanmar’s Gambling Laws
Myanmar’s approach to gambling has historically been prohibitive.
- The 1986 Gambling Law: This law initially placed a broad ban on most forms of gambling across the country.
- The 2019 Gambling Law: This newer legislation brought some changes, most notably permitting the establishment of licensed casinos. However, there’s a crucial restriction: these casinos are strictly for foreigners only. Myanmar citizens are explicitly prohibited from gambling in these establishments. The 2019 law defines “gambling” broadly to include games of chance and even games requiring skill if played for money or valuable property. This broad definition likely encompasses real money fishing games, even if they involve an element of skill.
- The 2025 Cybersecurity Law: More recently, Myanmar enacted a Cybersecurity Law (effective from a future date set by notification) that specifically addresses online activities. It introduces penalties, including imprisonment (6 months to 1 year) and significant fines (MMK 5-20 million), for operating an unauthorized online gambling system. Critically, the law does not currently provide a clear mechanism or process for how such online gambling platforms could obtain authorization.
Where Do Real Money Fishing Games Fit In?
Given the legal framework:
- Broad Definition of Gambling: The inclusion of skill-based games played for money in the 2019 law’s definition of gambling means real money fishing games likely fall under activities prohibited for citizens.
- Online Gambling Restrictions: The lack of legal avenues for citizens to gamble online, combined with the new Cybersecurity Law’s penalties for unauthorized online gambling operations, makes playing these games legally precarious.
- Enforcement Focus: While enforcement might often target operators (especially in border areas known for illegal online gambling hubs often involving foreign nationals and organized crime), the laws technically prohibit participation by citizens. Reports indicate authorities are cracking down on illegal online gambling and related fraud, often in cooperation with neighbouring countries.
What Players in Myanmar Need to Know (The Risks)
Engaging in real money fishing games from within Myanmar carries significant risks for citizens:
- Illegality: Playing these games for real money likely violates Myanmar’s gambling laws.
- No Legal Recourse: Since these platforms operate outside Myanmar’s legal framework (or illegally within it), players have no legal protection if a site refuses to pay out winnings or engages in fraudulent practices.
- Platform Instability: Unregulated or illegal sites can disappear overnight, taking player funds with them.
- Potential Penalties: While less common than action against operators, players theoretically risk penalties under the gambling laws.
- Cybersecurity Risks: Using unauthorized platforms can expose players to malware, data theft, and other cyber threats.
Conclusion
The legal landscape in Myanmar is clear: gambling is heavily restricted for citizens. The 2019 law opened doors for foreigner-only casinos but did not legalize online gambling for locals. The subsequent Cybersecurity Law further reinforces the illegality of unauthorized online gambling operations. Therefore, participating in real money fishing games is considered illegal for Myanmar citizens and carries substantial financial and potential legal risks due to the unregulated nature of the platforms accessible within the country.
