No betting while playing cards in clubs: Legislature House Committee Panel

Bengaluru: After dhothi, the Legislature House Committee for Working Style of Clubs in the state doesn’t want you to bet money while playing cards in clubs.

Amid speculation that the seven-member committee has recommended that Indian attire be allowed at clubs, it is now said that the committee members have also suggested that gambling in all forms be stopped at clubs.

Though there have been no final recommendations and the committee is yet to submit a report to the Assembly, committee chairman N.A. Haris said that gambling was increasing the crime rate and most of the gambling in the city happens in clubs.

A file picture of the Bowring Institute Club in Bengaluru

He told Deccan Chronicle, “We are aware that people go to clubs to share a drink with friends, play cards and socialise. However, it has come to our notice that crime rate in the city is increasing due to gambling. We are not against people playing cards. But our contention is against betting money while playing cards. It is one among the several recommendations before the committee.”

Commenting on the entry of men wearing ‘dhoti’ to clubs, Mr Haris said that this is not a new recommendation and for the last couple of years, the committee has been promoting the use of Indian attire.

“There is no reason why those in our traditional clothes should not be allowed into clubs. If we don’t follow our traditions, then who will? For many years now, the committee has been recommending that Indian attire be allowed in clubs. We will take a call at the final meeting,” he said.

Meanwhile, several clubs raised concerns over the legislators’ control over the clubs and their attempts to modify rules as per their convenience.
‘Dhoti’ tradition

A source at an elite club, who expressed his anger over the ‘dhoti’ recommendation of the committee, demanded to know if wearing ‘dhoti’ meant following and respecting the Indian tradition.

“Just because a person is in trousers, shirt and shoes it does not mean he is damaging or defaming our Indian tradition and culture. Likewise, a person wearing ‘dhoti’ does not substantiate that he respects our tradition. These recommendations have no traditional or cultural implications, except they are being made for the convenience of our leaders,” the source said.