Casino more harm than good

I feel that the casino in Singapore should not be built. Although it would be able to generate jobs for the people, allow a boost in tourism in Singapore and help our society earn revenue, think about all the problems that come with it. The casino would cause an increase in the number of people addicted to gambling. Because Singapore currently do not have a casino the problem of gambling addicts are not so obvious yet. However, gambling addicts already exist in the society. People are getting addicted to betting on horses, football, 4 digits, toto etc. So, with a casino so close to them, they need not leave the country just to gamble. This would cause an increase in the number of people getting addicted to gambling.

The government is broadcasting advertisements on television to remind people about the negative impacts of gambling, allowing the families to restrict their family members from entering the casinos etc. However, would all this be useful to prevent the rise in gambling addicts among the citizens? With a casino in our own country, it is impossible to stop or even minimise the negative impacts of gambling. Take a look at Las Vegas, it is now known as The Sin City. This is because of its casinos and the prevalence of crime. It is impossible to open a casino without corrupting the moral fibres of the citizens.

When the number of gambling addicts increase, the government would soon be forced to have to
provide counselling to these people. A lot of resources has to be wasted, a lot of money has to spent. Despite all these efforts, it will still be very difficult for the gambler to kick his habit.

Although there are some of good the casino would bring to Singapore, it is not worth sacrificing the well-being of the people in Singapore just to earn more revenue.