From CNA forum:
http://forum.channelnewsasia.com/viewtopic.php?p=3292829#3292829
Author Message
manikumari
Joined: 06 Dec 2009
Posts: 7
PostPosted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 9:44 am
Post subject: Singapore bans 28,661 citizens from the two casinos
Singapore will be banning 28,661 undischarged bankrupts and those on the Government’s Public Assistance scheme from the casinos in the two integrated resorts which are expected to be opened next year.
Under the family exclusion orders introduced by the National Council on Problem Gambling this year April, familes are allowed to apply to bar their loved ones from casinos, if they can show a committee appointed by the council that the gambler’s addiction and actions have a detrimental impact on them.
Only 19 gamblers have been issued the family exclusion orders and 56 people have applied to bar themselves voluntarily. It is unsure how many Singaporeans are aware of the family exclusion orders and if they will apply for it out of their own accord.
Even without the casinos, gambling is a favorite past-time of Singaporeans who love to indulge in buying 4D, Toto and betting on soccer matches.
A 38 year old Chinese man committed suicide together with his two children a few weeks ago because of marital problems caused by his gambling habits.
The Singapore government approved the building of the two integrated resorts in 2005 ostensibly to bring in more visitors to the island state to boost its tourism industry and also to provide jobs for the locals.
The two IRs have started their recruitment exercises since last year, but the percentage of locals employed is not revealed. According to media reports, it appears that a significant proportion of the vacancies will be filled by foreigners,especially Filipinos,Taiwanese and Malaysians.
The Straits Times reported two weeks ago that the Sentosa Integrated Resorts is current hunting for over 2,000 rental flats in the Telok Blangah area to house its foreign workers.
Despite widespread opposition to the building of casinos in Singapore especially from religious organizations, the ruling party pushed through the unpopular decision without much of a consultation with the people or debate within parliament.
In contrast, the small Taiwanese county of Penghu held a referendum in October to decide if casinos are allowed to be built there. Its residents voted overwhelmingly to reject the construction of the casino proposed by the central government in Taipei.
Whether they like it or not, the two casinos are here to stay and Singaporeans will ultimately be the ones to pay the price for any detrimental social impact they may have.
http://forum.channelnewsasia.com/viewtopic.php?p=3292829#3292829
Author Message
manikumari
Joined: 06 Dec 2009
Posts: 7
PostPosted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 9:44 am
Post subject: Singapore bans 28,661 citizens from the two casinos
Singapore will be banning 28,661 undischarged bankrupts and those on the Government’s Public Assistance scheme from the casinos in the two integrated resorts which are expected to be opened next year.
Under the family exclusion orders introduced by the National Council on Problem Gambling this year April, familes are allowed to apply to bar their loved ones from casinos, if they can show a committee appointed by the council that the gambler’s addiction and actions have a detrimental impact on them.
Only 19 gamblers have been issued the family exclusion orders and 56 people have applied to bar themselves voluntarily. It is unsure how many Singaporeans are aware of the family exclusion orders and if they will apply for it out of their own accord.
Even without the casinos, gambling is a favorite past-time of Singaporeans who love to indulge in buying 4D, Toto and betting on soccer matches.
A 38 year old Chinese man committed suicide together with his two children a few weeks ago because of marital problems caused by his gambling habits.
The Singapore government approved the building of the two integrated resorts in 2005 ostensibly to bring in more visitors to the island state to boost its tourism industry and also to provide jobs for the locals.
The two IRs have started their recruitment exercises since last year, but the percentage of locals employed is not revealed. According to media reports, it appears that a significant proportion of the vacancies will be filled by foreigners,especially Filipinos,Taiwanese and Malaysians.
The Straits Times reported two weeks ago that the Sentosa Integrated Resorts is current hunting for over 2,000 rental flats in the Telok Blangah area to house its foreign workers.
Despite widespread opposition to the building of casinos in Singapore especially from religious organizations, the ruling party pushed through the unpopular decision without much of a consultation with the people or debate within parliament.
In contrast, the small Taiwanese county of Penghu held a referendum in October to decide if casinos are allowed to be built there. Its residents voted overwhelmingly to reject the construction of the casino proposed by the central government in Taipei.
Whether they like it or not, the two casinos are here to stay and Singaporeans will ultimately be the ones to pay the price for any detrimental social impact they may have.
