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JUSTIN LEE of RI 3G'09.
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Social Commentary (2) - Should gambling be legalised?
Posted on: Sunday, August 23, 2009
Posted at: 11:30 PM
Gambling. Why should gambling be legalised?
In this case, gambling is defined as a risk that might result in loss of money or failure. I feel that gambling should not be legalised. This is due to several social problems. I will first discuss the benefits gambling brings.
The first benefit you can get from legalising benefit is revenue generation for the government. This revenue generated can be made better use of; it can be used to make roads, for example.
A second benefit is that it brings jobs opportunities to a nation. Many jobs are created if there is a possible gambling industry. This is ultimately one of the deciding reasons why Singapore is creating an IR.
Thirdly of course, it brings about an extra option to the average consumer for entertainment value. The person paying would gamble for the "thrill" of it and people would gamble not only for a pastime but also they are paying for a chance to make quick money.
These benefits are coupled with many social problems or disadvantages though.
The first social problem gambling could bring is addiction. People are easily addicted to gambling and if they lose control over it, it would result in their financial losses causing them and most likely their families to suffer. If they are in debt, people would shun away from them. This would definitely adversely affect their personal, economic and social life.
The second disadvantage gambling could bring has to do with the social problems that appear where gambling is a direct cause. This includes borrowing from loan sharks at crazy interest rates or increased crime (when they have no choice they resort to stealing or kidnapping). A society's social ethics would change as well.
I feel that the social problems gambling brings about are way more serious than the benefits it brings (which refers to revenue generated mostly). This is as there are many counselors and websites pertaining to problem gambling, which means addiction is a very real problem in our society; as well as a high rate of suicide cases due to the social repercussions of gambling. Quoted: "A recent study by The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry has shown that people who are pathological gamblers may be more likely to attempt suicide than individuals who are not gamblers. " (From: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/246105/Can_Gambling_Kill_)I therefore conclude again that gambling should not be legalised.
On Why Stop at Gambling? Let's Legalize Drugs while we're at it. by Justina
Taken from: The Singapore Watch - Examining Singapore from the sidelines
(http://singaporewatch.org/?p=14)
Labels: Assignment, English