As stated in the news article on 15 July 2010 TODAY newspaper, the number of gambling addiction cases in Singapore has more than tripled according to the latest statistics released by the National Addictions Management Service (Nams) on 14 Jul 2010. Their clinic, which is part of the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), has seen the number of gambling addicts jump from 5 per cent in 2007 to 17 percent last year.
After reading this article, there were a few things going through my mind.
Firstly, since the opening of the Integrated Resort (IR) and MBS, there have been good and bad news about it. Since the opening of the IR, there have been numerous articles about people cheating in the casinos and being taken in by the police. Articles like under aged gambling, cheating in the casinos, stealing and many more. There is also the legal conference dispute and problems prior the opening of the MBS.
On the other hand, the MBS and the IR have held many huge and important events like the Mediacorp Star Awards, big conferences as well as the hosting of the current K-pop groups coming to Singapore like Super Junior, 2AM, SHINee, Ft. Island and Wonder Girls.
Secondly, after reading Dr Lee's comment on the article, I guess it is good good to say that many people are now getting aware of their gambling habits and would like to turn over a new leaf. On the contrary, I believe that this may only be 30% of the gamblers. another 50% of them know they have an addiction for gambling and are not willing to change and the last 20% may know even recognize that they have a gambling habit. Changes can still be made to the IR to overcome these problems.
Lastly, I understand that the MBS and the IR is built for the tourists that come to Singapore. Still I prefer that the prices would not be as expensive so that Singaporeans can also enjoy these important places of Singapore.
Overall, I think that the MBS andthe IR has brought more joy and benefits than downfalls to then country.
~^,^~ Fiona Pang
100330T
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