Personally, I think that in Singapore children are exposed to the lifestyle and their parent’s approach towards gambling. Since young I’m used to parents or relatives asking me to give them “4D, Toto” numbers and knowing that I do get something in return for doing it. I will even get money as an incentive if they do win and to a certain extend I think that does give me a perspective that it’s acceptable to gamble.
Another example will be during Chinese New Year where my cousins and I will use some of our ang pow money to invest on Singapore Pools’ 4D. Neither parents nor my cousin’s parents see it as a negative factor since we are all kids at that time and it’s merely a way of us having fun during Chinese New Year.
Personally, I view gambling addiction as a serious issue which is comparable to smoking, alcohol or even drug addiction. As I believe parents will always warn or prevent their kids in getting into all these bad habits but gambling was pretty much neglected in my opinion. With that in mind, I think that the “harmless” activities we engage ourselves in must be handle in a appropriate approach as to reflect what obsession in gambling can harm all of us.
Even before the IRs are being introduce to us, we already have an huge array of options for gamblers - lottery from Singapore Pools, casino cruises, horse racing and illegal betting through bookmaker. These already warrant us ample opportunities of becoming a gambling addict or tempt any individual into it. People that do have gambling addiction will also often state their habit is not as destructive as compared to the other addiction. As the other addiction like smoking or alcohol addiction are often associated with bad health and death which are easier to pass the massage down to the public.
For the three posters above, all of them are trying to depict the obsession for gambling is as addictive as the others. I find that this send out a very strong message that gambling addiction is just as harmful as the others. Shock advertisement and campaign are useful in this instance as it attract the public attention and so many different forms of media platform it can target at specific group more easily. Just take the graphic pictures on the cigarette boxes that show the different harmful health effect, the message is clear and it gets the attention. The media has all the coverage on this and it’s the talk of the town from major newspaper to the cyber world, blogs etc.
This shows that with the right marketing for the campaign and the various media platform we can achieve the goal or in this instance raise awareness for the gambling addiction.
So commies, please do share your views and comment below!!
Wow! I've never seen those adverts before, they're really creatively done and definitely shows the seriousness of gambling to be as the same level as chain smoking and drug abuse. Hopefully, there would be the right marketing done in Singapore and more people would understand the potential danger gambling can bring.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with your view on how children are brought up in the Singaporean culture thinking that gambling such as Toto and 4D is completely harmless and a neccessary part of the adult life. Even during Chinese New Year, everyone, even little kids from the age of 4 (K1), gets into the CNY mood of gambling with pokercards and mahjiong (in the case of upper primary and above), and from experience, that mood doesn't just cut short after CNY itself. In time to come, when the IRs open, surely many Singaporeans would fall casualties to the gambling addiction.
On a sidenote, it's a bit ironic how the NCPG (National Council of Problem Gambling) is being setup in conjunction with the IRs. That's basically creating a non-100%-definite solution just to create the cause itself, though, I do get that the IRs would put Singapore high on a tourism and economic level and give people more jobs.
Grace pointed out an important point in this issue: "That's basically creating a non-100%-definite solution just to create the cause itself".
ReplyDeleteIn this case, our government has decided to place economic benefits over the importance of social issues; Nonetheless, the setting up of NCPG is the government way of accounting to the public that they have at least "try" to reduce the possible problem, and "try" may then become a futile attempt which only time can tell.
Derrick, you has also pointed out that through various media platform, we can raise awareness of possible gambling addiction. However, i will like to be critical towards raising awarness as it is not enough to just raise the awareness. Truth be told, Singaporeans are fully aware of the addiction issue and stopping at raising the awareness of gambling addiction, when what is needed are concrete actions against gambling, is like a wrongly prescribe medicine - a delay tactic.
Since you have suggested that gambling has already been a vice we long practice before IR, then perhaps this shows that we have grown in our tolerence towards gambling. If such a case is true, then perhaps the perimeters of addictions have already been too blurred to be defined again- i hope not.
Hey bro!
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree with you that Singaporean children are mostly brought up in the environment of gambling. Although now I don't gamble in comparison to many people of my age (think mahjong, daidee and what not), I'd have to admit that I too, was brought up in such an environment. My parents buy 4D weekly, and when I was young I was asked to pick one of those Big Sweep tickets too!
Well in my honest opinion, gambling is not THAT bad BUT that's provided if you know how to control yourself. Easier said than done definitely. I think small gambles occasionally like 4D is fine just for fun and to try out your luck, but if you were to go on any further like horse racing, or even casinos itself, then it's certainly a serious matter.
I personally find such advertisements not really useful in warnining and more importantly, getting the people to follow. It's just like tabacco/cigarettes packaging which created a big hoo-ha years ago when all the disgusting pictures of people with lung cancer etc were printed on the packaging/boxes to warn people of the danger.... but at the end of it all, honestly, did it work? I personally don't think so. Many still smoke, probably slightly lesser now cos all of the increasing prohibited areas! :p
I found the video advertisement (on how the father kinda begged the daughter to give him her piggybank coins) more effective than printed ones. It focuses on the appeal to emotion, and anyone who loves their family members enough will be willing to sacrifice and give up the habit of gambling just to savage/maintain the family.
Once again, nice entry and indeed, gambling is evil.
Hi Derrick,
ReplyDeleteGreat Post..
i must admit I do agree with grace and tony's point of view.. The steps taken by the government is not enough for to curb the increase in the avenues for gambling.
The fact that there are many legitimate avenues for gambling in Singapore shows that the local society as well as the government sees gambling as an inevitable vice that is present in Singapore. Its is considered a social norm is our society. Furthermore, since young, we have been exposed to this environment of gambling. It is how part of the society we were brought up in and inevitably, there would be those that are attracted to it and start to gamble.
If that is the case, I think that the focus should be instead directed to educating the masses on the negative impacts that gambling would have on the individual as well as society. Establishing the NCPG as well as using various media is not enough to deter the avid gamblers from gambling. Just like kai lin's example of the morbid photos on cigarette packages. This isn't enough.
Furthermore, I would like to question the actual effectiveness of the NCPG. Even with the various avenues available for seeking help, I do not believe that there will be many people going for that due to a couple of reasons. This might be because of the current social stigma against seeking professional help. People sees seeking professional help as something embarrassing and undesirable. This should not be the case and changing this view should be something that the local government should work on. Another possible reason would be that people would not admit that they are hooked on gambling and need professional help. Most people will say that they are not addicted to gambling. That they can stop whenever they want to. However, this might not be the case. They might be too caught up in gambling and started to live in their own delusional world and unwilling to admit that they need help.
In conclusion, I believe that the government should focus more on correcting these social problems. Educating the young is not enough. Adults should be included in this too. This will be an uphill task with the recent addition of the casinos at the IR but it is something that has to be done if we want to ensure that the population of gamblers in Singapore is kept to a minimum..
Hey Derrick,
ReplyDeleteWell for me, I have to say that i grew up in a family which has gambling habits too. Luckily, its just parents betting on Singapore pools for 4D/Toto etc.
Well personally for me, i don't participate in any of the gambling activities even things like 4D or betting on soccer games. Was just wondering whats the point of 4D & Toto, if there ever happen to be a chance for you to win, its just like winning back the money that you had spent buying 4Ds/Toto.
Though I do not gamble, I can understand how one can get into this gambling addiction. The urge to win definitely keep them going for more. When people lose, they will have this mentality to win it back and when win, they will definitely go for more, thats how human nature is.
Now with the IRs Casino comes into play, i'm afraid that more people will get hooked onto gambling activities
Addicted Gamblers that stake most or all of their wealth on gambling will certainly cause their family to suffer. Habits die hard, but through the ads, hopefully hardcore gamblers will know what damage they can cause on themselves and the family.
ReplyDeleteLucky for me, my parents dont gamble. Till now i still dont understand why people love to buy 4D and Toto every week. Praying hard that they will strike?
ReplyDeleteSimple math calculation can tell that the probability is very small. Even if they win, i dont even know if the amount is able to recover from the losses.
Seriously dont understand why the need of a casino in singapore since there is one so near us. This will only increase the number of gamblers and more broken families.
I think that social gamblings could be accepted generally by people as it can be seen as a form of recreation/entertainment to escape from the mundane routines of our daily lives.
ReplyDeleteMany people who bet on lottery often believe in 'buying' a hope. It is good to have hope/s as it is a positive motivation for better standard of living or quality of life.
However, if the addiction to gamble gets stronger, it will become a very bad social problem which not just affect individuals but also friends and families. The situation will get worst if kids have parents with strong addiction to gamble as it poses bad influence for the kids who may become gamble addicts in future forming a vicious cycle.
From the perspective of the govt, it is understandable for a country to invest in casinos as it boost the country's overall economy which eventually will bring about a growth in the nation's wealth and prosperity.
In order for this to happen, we need a strong govt to implement stringent rules/regulations so that the main objective is met and also ensuring that measures taken will not bring about a negative culture in the country.
On the whole, the building of the IR will bring about different views from different people. It is a much debated topic where there is no right or wrongs.
It is very much dependent on the discipline of the individuals to control his/her addiction on gamblings. We are all responsible for our own life!
If you`re yellow skinned, you will gamble. There are 2 types of gamblers. recreational and degenerate. The degens don't play within their means and will gambool all their life savings away and proceed to live the life of a gambling degen. Recreational gamblers (i.e me *wink*) only play to have fun and spend only a small portion of their money.
ReplyDeleteMoral of the story, gamble to have fun, not to earn money, keep your day job. ship it !!!
This controversial debate has been ongoing even before the casinos were built.
ReplyDeleteBut only time will tell the outcome. But one thing is for sure, gambling is not a solution to overcome your financial problems. I agree with Bhoen you have to keep you day job but you can gamble to have fun.
@Bhoen- danny, stop being stereotype. Its like saying all china lady don't shave their armpit.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, in regards to this issue, i personally feel that building of casino doesn't really increase the numbers of gambler in Singapore,it just lure them out of their cave.The purpose of building casino is just to redirect the money going into pockets of illegal gambling den to the government's.
And the commercial of the negative effect of gambling? its just to cover their own butt.
Does opening of casino lead to bad culture in the country and eventually more broken families? In my opinion i don't think so.
Everyone have to answer for their own action and if you give in to the temptation,then you will have to face the consequences.If you want to blame the government for opening the casino to tempt you into gambling and losing all your money which eventually lead to your broken family, then try to file a law suit against them. IF you manage to win the law suit? the real debate starts =)
Well, habits are cultivated by ourselves, we just have to keep ourselves under control and everything should be fine.
ReplyDeleteAs for the IR opening up in Singapore, sooner or later it's going to cause problems. Who knows maybe a few years down the road, the $100 entrance fees may be remove and we will see what shall happen next ?
I find that even with continuous efforts put in to curb gambling as an addiction, the campaign will do little to as it doesn't curb the root of the problem. Greed. Rather, the wish to get rich the easy way.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, the IR opening up in Singapore would greatly increase job opportunities and give rise to more economic benefits. The advantages outweighs the social disadvantages that comes with it. Hopefully they will redirect a significant portion of it into preventing locals from becoming gambling addicts.
On a side note, due to the IR opening up in Singapore, there has been aggressive marketing campaigns held by our dear neighbors in hopes of retaining their existing customers and luring more people with their attractive packages. In a way the opening of IR becomes a catalyst to induce gambling.
Perhaps they should consider forcing all gamblers into watch an hour long video before allowing them into casino maybe that would seriously deter them from gambling. Haha.
Interestingly, gambling will never be viewed as a problem as serious as smoking or drug abuse because it is a very big source of income for the government. Imagine the amount of "taxes" that they will missing out if Singapore Pools closes down.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the IR is built solely to serve the purpose as a tourist attraction.I do not believe that it will become a social problem for the country
Xiuhui said...
ReplyDeleteI think is pretty alright.. You just need to have self-control. Even Singapore ban gambling completely if you can addicted to it.. There is ways for you to gamble.
Gambling is not wrong, is just whether you can afford it and gamble in a legal way.
Those who gamble mostly are Chinese, it seem like a culture for Chinese to gamble when they have nothing much to do , especially during CNY. for me i feel that 4D and Toto are kinda ok .. as it only small betting compare to Casino. having one itself at our own land it kinda like inject SG with poison.
ReplyDeleteoverall it depend on one self state of mind.
so Everyone out there.. keep your mind clear and clam .
I dont agree that gambling is whether you can afford it or not. It becomes a habit eventually and it is very frustrating when u start losing money and wanting to win back more after losing.
ReplyDeleteThere is a saying in mandarin "out of 10 times u gamble, u will lose 9 times" so why do people still keep gambling?
Moreover, i think that the $100 dollars levy is not something that can keep gamblers away from the casinos. They will just be thinking of more ways to get back what they spent.
hey derrick!
ReplyDeleteinteresting post! with one that i can definitely relate to.
like all others, i was being brought up in a family with "buyng 4Ds and TOTOs" being part of the norm in their daily lives.
i feel that gambling is okay if played adequately. which means to say if you're losing badly already, it's time to pull back. though it's easier said than done because it's in our human nature to be greedy, it all boils down to discipline and management of one's own finances.
Just a thought if anyone has ever thought of it before.
ReplyDeleteOutside Las Vegas you see other kinds of trades? Like prostituition/hostesses kind? Do you think such trades might inflict into sentosa and become part of it?