Gambling games target low-income workers

Though the vast majority of  low-income expatriate workers in the densely-populated Doha Industrial Area and its suburbs do not have many recreational options in weekends, it seems there are enough channels for some of them to lose their hard-earned money by way of gambling.

Right across the middle of the busy Al-Attiya market area, a key gathering point for workers, and close to the intersection near the Street 23, groups of Asian workers could be seen yesterday afternoon surrounding a number of tables laid along the pavement.

There is an “organiser” for each table, surrounded by throngs of “players” who want to engage in a variety of gambling games by paying money. Shouts, arguments and counter-arguments are common occurrences at these tables, according to a worker. Another pointed out that trucks parked in the area provided cover for such gambling activities.

Most of the games played on the tables are seemingly popular among the workers, going by the response each table attracts. Poker and similar card games, involving money, are among the “activities”.

“Maybe the lure of winning some easy money is attracting these workers to spend their hard-earned savings on gambling,” a shopkeeper added.