Singapore's IR project : Casinos

Casinos, a place where people can take a gamble to solve problems financially, or just for the pleasure and thrill. But will casinos in Singapore do any good? As you all may know, the recent economical crisis has caused a down turn to many countries and fortunately, the economical situation is already becoming better. Singapore's reason for buying a casino company was to attract tourist and which would benefit the country's economy. However, will it benefit the social and work life of our citizens? I believe many of you have watched the anti-gambling advertisement of the father who persuades her young daughter to give him her piggybank which was done by the National council of Problem Gambling (NPCG). The message that it was trying to let out was that when people gamble, they are not only hurting themselves, but they are also hurting the people around them. Here is a quote from an interview on NPR radio from a man named Johny . W, who battled his gambling addictiona nd changed for the better, " I wanted more and started always going back to win, but in the winnings, i starter to lose as well, and the more I loss, the more i wanted to return to reclaim my losses". His quote really very cleary depicts the mentality of many gamblers. Relating back to the casinos, I feel that it will only be contribute to this addiction that is already happening in Singapore. People have already got into gambling without casinos, sometimes even kids! Yes, kids, young boys and girls who are our age. Casinos will only add on to this. Sure it will attract tourists and earn money, but it will attract our own people as well. Tourists come and go, but our people will stay in this country and it wil result in more gambling addicts. Of course, gambling is good to relax and have fun from all the stress at work, but when you gamle, it's not just about a gamble of money, it's also a gamble of life and family. Next point, many people think that casinos will provide jobs for people within the casinos. However, some people who are desperate for a job may turn to illegal deals and work in the casinos with illegal liscences. If this is found out, the casino company will be sued and the casino will not only be shut down, but the casino will also be forced be asked to pay a fine. This ultimately will lead to more losses than gains.

To sum it all up, I support the building of the casino but I do think that if proper self-control and

legalism is adhered to, the casino may be a good way to support our economy.