Recently, there have been numerous news reports on the upcoming opening of the Integrated Resort's casino. Purported to open in 2 days time, the casino is supposed to be a money-maker and job creator. However, many people have spoken against it.
Let us first look at both sides of the situation. Singapore's 40-year old ban on casino was lifted in 2007 in view of the new casinos being built in Marina Bay. Initially, it raised a hue and cry from conservative Singaporeans, including the mainstream religions. Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong explained that Singapore could no longer afford to maintain his father's ban on casino gambling because its tourism industry was facing a serious slowdown, citing falling statistics of tourism revenue. Furthermore, other neighborhood countries like Malaysia and Thailand are likely to get in on the action too. He emphasized the need to change or risk being left behind. "We cannot stand still. The whole region is on the move. If we don't change, where will we be in 20 years?"
He also argued that the two casinos would be a boon to Singapore, doubling the number of tourists here to 17 million, increase tourism revenue three-fold and create nearly 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. Finally, he assured the public that the government would shelve the idea should it prove too dangerous.
On the other hand, Singaporeans are worried that casinos in Singapore would make them more susceptible to the temptations of gambling and eventually, addiction. However, the problem is that there are absolutely no statistics for Singapore as of yet to form a conclusive case. Furthermore, according to the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) more than 83 percent of Singaporeans are willing to have the casino built here.
Personally, I support the construction of the casino. Merrill Lynch, a US company, estimates that Singaporeans spend $760 million online annually. Hence, it does not matter whether we build the casino in Singapore or not. As my father summed up,"Gamblers will always find a way to gamble, be it online or in person". As for the social and moral implications, "if you don't want to play, just stay away". Though there undoubtedly will be repercussions, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Hence, I support the construction of the casinos.
'according to the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) more than 83 percent of Singaporeans are willing to have the casino built here.' Dao Ming, I would like to question the reliability of this source. Who did the Study survey? Are you really sure that so many Singaporeans support the building of the casino?
ReplyDeleteThe IPS is a non-government organization that does not receive government grants but rather a self-funded institution. Hence, I trust that it is not biased towards the Singapore government in anyway.
ReplyDeleteHowever, do you really think that so many Singaporeans support the building of the casino? If IPS did not conduct the survey, would you still believe that majority of the Singaporeans are supportive of this?
ReplyDeleteI feel the building of the casino does has both pros and cons. However, the economic necessity of the casino cannot be overruled by mere speculation that gambling addiction would worsen. Singapore's economy is dependent on the tourism industry and has introduced the IR casinos to further promote itself as the ideal tourist destination.
ReplyDeleteWhy should Singaporeans oppose the building of the casino? The Singapore government has already put in place a set of strict rules and regulations, such as a S$100 a day levy on citizens and permanent residents entering the casinos, to prevent repeat gamblers from frequenting the casino. Furthermore, there are posters all round the IR resort with hotlines that addicted gamblers can call for help. Hence, I would believe that majority of the Singaporeans are supportive of this initiative.
If you think that way, why don't you survey our class and see who really supports the building of the casino?
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ReplyDeleteDao Ming, do you think that gamblers will admit that they are addicted to gambling and will call the hotlines for help? I personally do not think so.
ReplyDeleteyou are damn fucked up. go and die.
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