"Irene has stopped by a hidden gambling table in a western suburb of Honiara to play Pass, a street card game gaining popularity in the Solomon Islands capital. There are dozens of these games dotted across the city, with new sites appearing regularly."
"The first player must put down a five or a seven, and the pattern continues, with each player having to play the next sequential card. If they can't, they yell pass! The first person to get rid of all their cards wins."
"I don't want my kids to play. Gambling is a bad thing. Sometimes, other people who don't have money steal from mothers, she says, while closely watching the cards being dealt."
"The rise in the game's popularity is due to unemployment, says a local youth advocate."
Irene, a teacher in Honiara, participates in the street card game Pass, which is gaining popularity among various demographics. The game involves players sequentially playing cards, with the first to empty their hand winning the pot. Despite losing money, Irene continues to play, citing her livelihood depends on it. The rise of Pass is attributed to high unemployment rates, drawing many to gamble for quick payouts. Irene discourages her children from gambling, highlighting the risks involved, including theft among desperate players.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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