The burgeoning mahjong sessions in Manhattan’s Chinatown were allegedly turned into underground gambling operations.

Many ethnic associations reportedly set up mahjong sessions in the name of promoting social networks; however, these games were organized by several operators for profit.

Mahjong had been popular among new immigrants, who are members of Chinese associations in Chinatown. To some, the game was even considered a full-time job where they earn thousands of dollars every month.

For association-sponsored mahjong, the game tables were normally set up by professional dealers – and not by leaders of Chinese associations – to avoid possible conflict of interest. The association hired outsiders to set up the game and take care of its logistics. The players mostly had small bets, playing for entertainment and recreation.

For the underground gambling operation, mahjong players only use cash and the bids usually come in large amounts of money.

Recently, though, even the association-sponsored are operated like the underground gambling system; however, when the police showed up, it was hard to find evidence that would allow them to proceed with their investigation. Some of the mahjong players use chips instead of cash.

The ethnic associations that set up gambling for their members reportedly accumulated large sums in profit over time, even after paying a fixed amount of money to the professional planners.

Gradually, some new immigrant organizations have turned into a form of underground gambling associations. The door of these organizations is closed throughout the day; however, there are activities day and night inside the door. Only familiar faces and members were able to enter and exit. Inside, the dark and smoky rooms are filled with people, noise and large bids. Clients are even provided with drink and food.

Community members who were familiar with these gambling activities say that if the operations of these organized gambling activities were left unregulated, they will affect the image of the ethnic associations and new Chinese immigrants. They fear that they would turn into underground gambling operations that incite violence, fraud, and blackmailing, which lead to serious problems for the family and the society.

The recent midnight murder at Chinatown’s Division Street was related to a conflict in an ethnic association – a reflection of the unacceptability of the situation. Furthermore, many ethnic associations have become a target for criminals. Recently, an ethnic association’s security box was stolen, which led to the loss of thousands of dollars earned from the mahjong games. Associations are also seeing fights between members for the gambling tables.