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The
Straits Times, 2 Oct 04
Rolling
the dice on gambling
Last week's Insight did the sums on whether having a casino here will
boost the economy but damage society. More than 60 people e-mailed
with feedback. Here is a sampling:
'TWO years ago, I wrote a letter to the press to say we should have
a casino in Singapore. The topic was taboo at that time. I am glad
the Government is reconsidering it. Singapore depends heavilyon tourism
and we are facing intense competition from our neighbours. An integrated
resort incorporating a casino may just provide that extra buzz neededto
move Singapore up the list of preferred holiday destinations. As icing
on the cake, perhaps the Government would consider sharing with citizens
the massive tax revenue to be generated from the casino operations?
This could be in the form of zero or reduced personal income tax,
a reduced goods and services tax or a contribution to a government-sponsored
pension or unemployment fund.' - Mr William Foo
'I DO not support the opening of a casino in Singapore. Two years
ago, I visited a casino in Melbourne. I was there during lunchtime
and saw people dressed in office attire coming in droves to the casino
and leaving en masse an hour later to return to work. Later, at a
nearby cafe, I asked a waitress if this was a daily occurence. She
said 'yes', and that this was especially so on pay day. When I told
her that Singapore had a ban on casinos, she said Singapore was wise
and fortunate to have had the foresight and strong will to take such
preventive measures.' - Ms Low Mei Chin
'I REMEMBER my mum used to hold mahjong sessions at our home during
my primary school days. My younger sister and I were made to buy beer,
cigarettes and coffee for the gamblers. Our home was like a gambling
den, sometimes with two tables operating at the same time. We hardly
had any quiet time to study. My mum is still at it at 76 years of
age. She is even into horse racing. It is truly a form of bondage.
I remember she used to quarrel with my dad as she gambled away the
money for household expenses. Please spare our families many a heartache
and ruin. Don't build a casino.' - Ms Sharon Wong
'I HOPE that Singapore can open a casino and help the economy to grow.
If there are new jobs in Singapore, those who do not have a job can
have one and support their families. I think people should change
their opinion about gambling. Not all gamblers are addicted to it.
A casino can also help attract more tourists to our country.' - Yew
Yan Hong, Secondary 1E1, Tampines Secondary School .
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