Pass Card Game Surges in Honiara as Economic Lifeline Amid Unemployment
In the capital of Solomon Islands, Honiara, a fast-paced and illegal street card game known as Pass is rapidly gaining traction. Business owners and residents alike are turning to this hidden activity as a means to supplement their incomes, with shopkeepers even setting up makeshift tables in backstreets to host games.
Inside the Smoky Shelters of Honiara
As the school day concludes, individuals like Irene, a 43-year-old teacher, make their way to damp, smoky shelters scattered across the city. Here, plastic tables are filled with playing cards, and the air is thick with anticipation. Irene, a single mother, visits a hidden gambling table in a western suburb, drawn by the chance to win big despite the risk of significant losses.
Dozens of these games are now dotted throughout Honiara, with new sites emerging regularly. Authorities are intensifying efforts to stamp out the activity, but Solomon Islanders from all walks of life—young, old, low-income, and salaried professionals—continue to flock to Pass for its potential payouts.
How Pass Works and Its Financial Stakes
Dealers attract players by shouting bet prices, such as "$20 down!" Each player is dealt seven cards, and the game begins with a dealer placing a number six card on the table. Players must then play sequential cards, like a five or seven, and if unable, they yell "pass!" The first to discard all cards wins the pot, minus a dealer's fee.
With up to 30 rounds per hour, large sums of money can be won or lost in mere minutes. Irene, after losing several hands, admits to relying on her children for funds, yet she discourages them from playing, citing gambling as a bad influence that can lead to theft.
Economic Drivers and Personal Stories
For many, Pass is more than just a game; it's a survival strategy. Irene, despite her losses, reports being up SBD$500 for the week, nearly matching her $600 teacher's salary. Similarly, Ben, a 19-year-old dealer, started at age 15 to cover school fees, now earning SBD$500 weekly.
Gordon, a 29-year-old who supplies cigarettes and betel nut to gamblers, reveals that his tables generate SBD$12,000 per week, with three tables collectively turning over SBD$30,000 weekly. Others, like Madlyn, 29, view Pass as a social activity, playing nightly and enjoying perks like free cigarettes and meals.
Unemployment and Societal Impact
Phillip Subu, a prominent youth advocate, links the rise of Pass to Solomon Islands' deep economic malaise. He notes that unemployment, particularly among youth in Honiara, ranges between 12 and 15%, driving people toward informal employment, crime, and gambling as means of survival.
Business owners like John and Piwen, a married shopkeeping couple, have opened tables in eastern Honiara since February 2026, seeing it as a smart way to boost income. Their dealers, all local women, earn more than public servants, using the money to pay for essentials like electricity bills and food.
Police Crackdowns and Ongoing Challenges
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has launched Operation Stopem Gambling to combat Pass, conducting raids and arrests, such as one in Rove where 34 gamblers were detained. However, no players have been sentenced, with offenders risking only a $100 fine.
Assistant Commissioner Jimson Robo states that police are not slowing down their efforts, warning the public to refrain from playing. Despite this, the game continues to proliferate, with gamblers showing a giddy energy and little fear of police intervention.
Pass as a Community Lifeline
For Solomon Islanders struggling to get by, Pass has become more than just a source of income; it fosters camaraderie. Irene refers to her fellow players as "wantoks" or friends, highlighting the social bonds formed around the tables. As unemployment persists and economic opportunities remain scarce, Pass stands as a controversial yet vital lifeline in Honiara.
