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SINGAPORE : Some MPs remain concerned that the social fallout from having a casino might not outweigh the economic benefits of having an integrated resort.
They said Singapore risked an erosion in its values and work ethic, and that more had to be done to nip the problem of gambling in the bud.
Despite the government's assurances that safeguards would be in place to tackle the social impact of having a casino, some MPs were still worried.
Tan Soo Khoon, MP for East Coast GRC, said, "I am not a purist or moralist. I am a worrier. I worry about the social fallout and whether we can manage them. I worry whether the safeguards we will put in place are adequate to deal with the problems that we will face when the lure of gambling will now be elevated to a new level of glitz and glamour hitherto not found in 4D, Toto and horse racing.
"It is not about whether the pro-casino camp has won or whether the anti-casino camp has lost. In the end, it is Singapore that must win. The government has made its call. I only hope it has drawn the right card from the deck."
Opposition MP Chiam See Tong of Potong Pasir said, "We are of the view that the permission when given to establish a casino in Singapore is the first step down the slippery slope.
"Singapore has over the past 40 years, painstakingly developed itself into a clean honest hardworking and organised society. All this shall eventually be destroyed or diluted into a form which we may not like for our future."
Leading the list of concerns are problem gamblers and their families.
Gan Kim Yong, MP for Holland-Bukit Panjang GRC, said, "I think that most compulsive gamblers will not admit that they are problematic and will not seek help voluntarily. It is their family members who are the victims who would need help."
Mr Gan called for greater community support and even an endowment fund to help gamblers' families tide over difficult times.
With some studies showing that only 8 percent of gambling addicts are able to overcome their addiction. Some MPs pointed out that in this case prevention might be the best cure.
They also noted the worrying trend of student gambling.
Halimah Yacob, MP for Jurong GRC, said, "We need to be vigilant even at the school stage. Schools should concentrate a lot more on moral education and in inculcating the right values in students, so that they do not acquire the habit of gambling at a young age and do not progress later on to become problem gamblers."
For these problem gamblers, some questioned the effectiveness of having an entry fee set at S$100 a day or S$2,000 a year,
Said MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC Ahmad Magad, "If S$100 proves to be insufficient deterrence would the government be in a position to review and consider upping this amount? The close proximity of the business district to Marina Bayfront is also a bit concerning, as it may lure business executive and people working in the area to squeeze time out from work to gamble. It may lead to a drop in work efficiency in such areas."
Besides calling for more social programmes to help gamblers at the community level, MPs also wanted to see more professional help available for them. - CNA /ct
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