Arakan Army bans illegal two-digit and three-digit lottery gambling in Arakan State

By Admin 24 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

24 January 2026, Kyauktaw

The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) has issued an order banning illegal two-digit (2D) and three-digit (3D) lotteries and all forms of gambling in areas under its control in Arakan State, local residents said.

The order comes as illegal 2D and 3D lotteries have become widespread in AA-controlled areas, including Maungdaw and Kyauktaw. The ban is to take effect by the end of January.

The ULA/AA warned that authorities will take action if gambling or the sale of illegal 2D and 3D lottery tickets continues after the deadline.

“It is known that illegal 2D and 3D lottery sellers were summoned and warned. They were told not to sell 2D by the end of January and were warned that effective action would be taken if they continue to sell,” said a local woman in Maungdaw.

Amid prolonged conflict in Arakan State, scarcity of local jobs and blockades by the military regime have made daily livelihoods difficult. Under these circumstances, some residents have turned to gambling, seeking shortcuts through 2D and 3D lotteries that offer high profits for small investments.

In some townships, particularly among youth, loss of future prospects has coincided with trends toward reckless behaviours such as gambling and drug use.

“In some villages in Kyauktaw Township, illegal 2D and 3D lottery sellers were summoned, questioned and warned. It is learned that two women selling illegal 2D and 3D lotteries were arrested and released on bond. There are also reports of youths playing cards being arrested and fined,” a man in Kyauktaw Township said.

Although the Arakan Army had previously prohibited illegal 2D and 3D lottery gambling in its controlled areas, this latest ban was issued because gambling continued to spread extensively.

Some local residents said that if the public continues to lean toward gambling, it could have negative consequences; therefore, the Arakan Army’s ban is seen as a positive step.