Duhok venue owners demand reopening of banned bingo-like dombala halls

DUHOK — More than 40 owners of venues offering “Dombala,” a game similar to bingo, gathered in Duhok’s central market on Tuesday, demanding the reopening of their businesses, which were closed nearly a year ago by official decree and court order. The owners have requested that their venues be allowed to operate under new regulations. “It has been almost a year since our venues were closed. We are calling for them to reopen under updated guidelines,” one venue owner, who asked to remain anonymous, told 964media.

Speculation recently surfaced on social media and local news that Dombala venues might be allowed to reopen, but the Duhok governorate promptly issued a statement refuting these rumors and reaffirming the existing ban.

During Tuesday’s protest, tensions heightened, leading to minor confrontations with journalists. Protesters later moved to Nawroz Park in Duhok’s market area to continue voicing their demands.

Hemin Suleiman, spokesperson for the Duhok Police, told 964media that the ban on Dombala venues was put in place for public welfare. “Owners of these venues can consider repurposing their spaces for other types of businesses,” he said. According to police records, approximately 20 Dombala venues operate in Duhok’s city center, with additional locations in Semel and Shekhan districts.

Dombala is a game similar to bingo where players mark numbers on cards as they are called by a host. In addition to dedicated venues, it is commonly played in cafes and other informal settings. However, under Iraqi law, Dombala is classified as a form of gambling, which is explicitly prohibited by Islamic principles—the foundational source of legislation in Iraq’s constitution.

In August 2023, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Interior issued a governorate-wide ban on Dombala, mandating enforcement throughout Duhok. In Iraq, the Penal Code stipulates penalties of up to one year in prison, fines up to 100 dinars, or both for individuals involved in illegal gambling activities. These penalties also apply to those who operate or manage public venues dedicated to gambling.