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The
Straits Times Forum Page, 1 Nov 04
Let's
learn from sorry example of Melbourne
I am a Melbournian working in Singapore. Like all Melbournians, when
the idea of a casino was brought up, many of us thought it was a great
idea as it would generate income and create more jobs for the state
of Victoria. Many felt we were losing out to New South Wales and Queensland
because they had casinos while we did not. Thus, the opening of the
largest casino in the southern hemisphere was set to help elevate
Melbourne's profile and generate revenue for the state, reducing state
taxes.
However, the reality soon proved otherwise. After the casino opened,
there was a rise in the number of broken families and middle-income
earners who lost their life savings to their gambling addiction. Things
got to a point where more gambling helplines had to be set up to counsel
victims and TV ads were aired to warn against gambling. The state
government responded to the alarming effects by reducing the number
of slot machines across the state.
These days, overseas Asians and retired Australians make up the bulk
of casino patrons. Gambling tables are only about 30 per cent full.
A good number of office workers in the central business district use
the casino carpark to take advantage of its cheap parking rates. Most
Victorians now stay away from these machines, as they are reminded
of the many horror stories of those whose lives have been devastated
by debt and gambling addiction. Melbourne and Victoria had to learn
the hard way.
I hope Singaporeans will take a leaf out of our book and not have
to travel the same route we did.
Lawton Ho
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