The nightly blackouts in Santiago de Cuba have become the perfect setting for a group of young people to pull out their cards and engage in illegal street gambling, a practice long persecuted by the regime. On Friday, communicator Yosmany Mayeta posted on Facebook that this is how some individuals cope with the lengthy and torturous hours without electricity, sweltering heat, and relentless mosquitoes.
According to the independent journalist, this practice "has always been the favorite pastime of young people in all the peripheral neighborhoods of Cuba," noting that it has surged in the eastern city due to the worsening economic crisis and frequent blackouts. "It's the main attraction when the blackout hits," Mayeta emphasized on the social network.
A person named Ruben Salmon commented that it's not just cards being played, but also dice, which has even led to fights among the players.
The late dictator Fidel Castro, upon taking power in January 1959, banned gambling by law, a prohibition reaffirmed in 2022 under the new Penal Code. Article 281.1 stipulates that "anyone acting as a banker, collector, pointer, or promoter of illegal games" will be "punished with imprisonment for one to three years or a fine of 300,000 quotas, or both." Additionally, the law states that if the crime "is committed by two or more persons, or involving minors under 18," the penalty will be "three to eight years of imprisonment."
The regulatory framework also prohibits casinos, cockfighting arenas (which are illegal), and the lottery, known in Cuba as "bolita." A Cuban from Puerto Padre fell victim to the regime's crackdown on illegal gambling. The man was arrested and charged with several offenses, including "prohibited games," during a police operation where a large sum of money and gamecocks were confiscated.
Understanding Illegal Gambling in Cuba
In light of the ongoing blackouts and economic hardship, illegal gambling has become a common way for young Cubans to pass the time. Here are some frequently asked questions about this issue:
Why has illegal gambling increased in Santiago de Cuba?
The increase in illegal gambling in Santiago de Cuba is attributed to the worsening economic crisis and frequent blackouts, which leave young people with few entertainment options.
What are the legal consequences of illegal gambling in Cuba?
The legal consequences include imprisonment for one to three years, fines up to 300,000 quotas, or both. If the crime involves minors or multiple offenders, the imprisonment can range from three to eight years.
What forms of gambling are prohibited in Cuba?
Cuban law prohibits casinos, cockfighting, and the lottery, commonly known as "bolita."