Singapore council warns people of gambling’s ill effect
Voice of America, 4 November 2009
Gambling is legal in the Asian city-state of Singapore, but residents there are about to be bombarded with media messages warning them against becoming addicted to games of chance.
Singapore’s National Council On Problem Gambling (NCPG) is targeting its anti-gambling campaign – called “Know the Line” – at groups believed vulnerable to getting hooked on gambling.It is a part of the group’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness of the problem and to provide help for people addicted to gambling.
THE NCPG TACKLES GAMBLING PROBLEMS
The National Council On Problem Gambling (NCPD) was set up in Singapore after casino gambling was legalized in 2005. At that time, the government acknowledged the potential social costs of gambling and agreed to take steps to address the issue.
The NCPD was given the jobs of advising Singapore’s Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports on gambling issues, distributing funds to gambling treatment programs and deciding who would be excluded from casinos. A government survey in 2008 found that 54% of Singapore residents over the age of 18 had participated in some form of gambling in the previous 12 months.
The survey indicated that 0.7% to 1.6% of respondents could be classified as “pathological gamblers.”
SOME GET HOOKED
“Most if not all gambling starts out as recreational,” explains Keith Whyte, executive director of the U.S. gambling addiction organization, The National Council on Problem Gambling (no relation to the Singapore group).
He adds that after experiencing an initial period of winning, people see gambling losses mount and then a sense of desperation sets in. “The odds are against you. The odds are with the house,” he says. “They may see the only way back to financial health is to gamble more,” he said.
Whyte says gambling addicts have one or more of these characteristics: a strong preoccupation with gambling, a loss of control while gambling and actual harm (financial, psychological or physical) done due to gambling.These are factors that Singapore officials are trying to help their citizens avoid.
At a conference on problem gambling this year, Singapore Government Minister Yu-Foo Yee Shoon congratulated the NCPG for its public education and outreach efforts. She cited a group survey that showed public understanding of the issue has doubled from 32% in 2006 to 71% in 2008.
The NCPG hopes its latest media campaign will make those figures rise even higher.
Source: Voice of America
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Exposer on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 4:30 pm
You put a naked horny beautiful female like HoJinx chained in front of treacherous CheeGohPei, and tell these Ah Pei, “I will not be responsible for your screwing’s ill effect ! I already tell you, so I am not responsible for you anymore !”
Amazingly how Singapore government has implemented these policies since Singapore’s independence.
sicktothebones on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 5:28 pm
have you seen the horrendous numbers of alcoholics, 4-D addicts, horse punter addicts, cigarette nicotine addicts, etc?
Who benefits from these evils most? the taxes they collect can make your eyes google out!
So these anti-smoking, don’t drink drive campaigns or NCPG are essentially `wayang’ – with no real intentions to stop these vices. For show only.
It’s like I put out these temptations and sell poisons everywhere and tax you millions; but if you get hooked it is not my fault. We do our part by having token anti this and anti-that campaign.
Who is the biggest beneficiary of these addictions?
Total control on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 5:41 pm
Read this if you think you are free in Singapore!
http://www.scribd.com/doc/22148684/The-Repression-of-Political-Freedoms-in-Singapore-The-Case-of-Opposition-Leader-Dr-Chee-Soon-Juan
Political SalesMiW on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 6:05 pm
Our ministers said that crime can be kept under control when the two IRs open, right? By deploying more police and security to that area.
Let me ask you one question – We have a loanshark problem in Singapore, right? It reported in ST that their runners are getting younger and younger.
Where the loansharks live? In the heartlands!!! Who are they trying to fool? You may deploy as many police to barricade the IRs, yet the loansharks will still be in business.
Oh, I forgot they help the rich and powerful. Let me start a business!!
Political SalesMiW on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 6:05 pm
Our ministers said that crime can be kept under control when the two IRs open, right? By deploying more police and security to that area.
Let me ask you one question – We have a loanshark problem in Singapore, right? It reported in ST that their runners are getting younger and younger.
Where the loansharks live? In the heartlands!!! Who are they trying to fool? You may deploy as many police to barricade the IRs, yet the loansharks will still be in business.
Oh, I forgot the we help the rich and powerful only. Let me start a business!!
deoxin on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 6:33 pm
gahmen let u do, u say like they r evil like dat.
later they don’t let u do … u say no freedom.
u win lor, everything oso gahmen’s fault.
Exposer on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 6:47 pm
“Our ministers said that crime can be kept under control when the two IRs open, right? By deploying more police and security to that area.”
Our ministers are indeed extraordinary. They can’t even handle peaceful protest by Singaporeans hence ban them, but yet they claim that the crime which is lot harder to contain can be kept under control by the police when IRs open.
Amazing and extraordinary assholes we have in government !
jason on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 10:42 pm
TR, i think Exposer first comment is too vulgar. can you control the comment posting more stringently? criticizing is one thing, but using vulgar example is totally another thing. there may be some young age people (15 and below) who visit your website. we certainly do not want them get exposed to such vulgar comments
sicktothebones on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 10:52 pm
govt let u do? ya only the crumbs throw to peasants, they tax us silly. the profitable ones they all run themselves.
no freedom – u hit the nail right on its head. there is no freedom.
Can’t even lick the loan sharks problem. I have no faith in our enforcement people nowadays. Do you even see one anywhere nowadays except when Chee decides to do some civil disobedience activities?
Exposer on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 11:46 pm
“R, i think Exposer first comment is too vulgar. can you control the comment posting more stringently? criticizing is one thing, but using vulgar example is totally another thing. there may be some young age people (15 and below) who visit your website. we certainly do not want them get exposed to such vulgar comments”
You are so funny. Have you watched Mr Brown’s video “Your mother platoon ?”. Maybe the PAP forum suit you because they are All gentleman singing the same tune.
fpc on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 12:49 am
//Exposer
Good analogy.
Great comment.
John Potus on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 1:43 am
deoxin on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 6:33 pm
gahmen let u do, u say like they r evil like dat.
later they don’t let u do … u say no freedom.
u win lor, everything oso gahmen’s fault.
==================================================
You come here and twist the facts everytime.
The fact is the government is not listening to the people.
When we told them YES to slow down the influx of foreigners, they said NO. They didn’t listen.
When we told them YES we wanted more press freedom, they said NO. They didn’t listen.
When we said NO to the casinos, they said YES. they didn’t listen.
Whether it is no or yes, the government always does the opposite of what the people want.
Anyway, now when the casinos are almost ready, they are worried sick that thousands of Singaporeans, PRs and foreigners are going to become addicted to gambling and consequently there will be more social problems.
Even without the casinos things are looking bad like this recent case shows.
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_450582.html
Things will get much worse once the casinos open. Thousands of Singaporeans were against the building of casinos here but the government didn’t listen.
Now Singaporeans will pay the price.
Time for Change.
suk hoi on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 1:46 am
pocket S$100 entrance fee, the rest is your own problem.
knnbccb on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 3:10 am
There’s nothing wrong with peppering a little profanity seasoning in your comments/speech whenever appropriate. If anything, it adds ‘oomph’ and creates a deeper impression for the intended readers/audience.
Now, this ‘anti-gambling’ council is nothing more than bullshit. “We’re going to open not one, but TWO mega-casinos at around the same time! NOW, let us feign concern by setting up a council and preaching against the evils of gambling.”
There will be a very heavy social price to pay for the economic benefits they supposedly bring. Time will tell, and it probably won’t take long.
And while we’re at it, why not let’s have Amsterdam-style brothels and shops selling weed and magic mushrooms? Don’t cherry pick and only allow those that (theoretically) add more GDP growth.
What "John Potus on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 1:43 am" on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 12:34 pm
Means IS… that THIS GAHmen under lhl and guided by his apapa IS a “COMPROMISER” GGgaHmen!!! Period!!!
A man with no substance WILL “BEND” with the ILL-Winds AND CALL It AS “FOR SURVIAL”… BEeeeCAWS… HE LOVES Money FIRST AND LAST… And NOT… MORAL OR ETHICAL VALUES!!!…
Will such MIW will let someone ’screw’ their backsides for survival??? You views are as good as mine!!!
babyckh on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 12:55 pm
someone did mentioned years ago, “As long as i am not dead, there will not be a casino in Singapore”.
So IR is opening next year, will his own curse comes true?
We’ll find out next year.
btan on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 1:18 pm
The government is very funny.
Why don’t they legalise gun control and then set up a center for gun wound victims as well?
Is the government so depraved that you would want to earn all forms of money even if it means there will be social ills?
Where is LKY who says “over my dead body” when it comes to casino? Doesn’t that makes him a hypocrite?
Politicla SalesMaN on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 1:36 pm
In the 70’s when people ask LKY why don’t we have a casino in Singapore. He blame on this Father! No my Father was a gambler. he do nothing much for my FamiLEE. When question for the F1 race, No, It a waste of Land & Money.When other country with Casino making good money, he has sore eyes.
deoxin on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 2:22 pm
@John Potus on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 1:43 am
yes, i agree with u!! the gahmen must listen to people.
BUT who is “people”? ur people? who?
i said YES to casino.
i said YES to F1.
i said NO to taiwan’s style of politics.
i said NO to Dr Chee.
thousands of singaporean spends thousands of dollars to watch F1 in Sepang and gamble in Genting.
why should we let the b*tches in M’sia ..who threaten to cut off our water.. enjoy our S$ ?
why should we let the b*tches who arrogantly kicked us of federation ..enjoy the tourists’ money all for themselves ?
the reason why LKY refused those thing before, but LHL decided to go ahead could be ..(1) LHL has a mind of his own, (2) PAP evolves, (3) Gahmen listen to people’s voice; unfortunately, it’s not YOUR voice, but MY voice (..and also 2/3 of singaporean on last count.)
u r talking as if all singaporean support u. as if u r the voice of the people. the fact is: NO, u r not!
Exposer on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 3:32 pm
“the reason why LKY refused those thing before, but LHL decided to go ahead could be ..(1) LHL has a mind of his own, (2) PAP evolves, (3) Gahmen listen to people’s voice; unfortunately, it’s not YOUR voice, but MY voice (..and also 2/3 of singaporean on last count.)”
Oppss!! LKY has just soiled his pant, can you go and wash his backside ? It will do you good to get extra point. Taste and eat his shit as well because it is good for your health and brain !
Realistic on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 5:32 pm
jason on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 10:42 pm
….” we certainly do not want them get exposed to such vulgar comments…”
Hope you are not the new priesthood of the new age “morality”. Underaged kids are having sex and many are petting heavily on HDB void decks.
Internet is a big dangerous world. Why don’t you dig out their eyes and cotton-butt their ears before some got pregnant and others practising more “martial arts” in the public arena.
Of course, MOE says it is parenting failure and internet.
Which one do you propose to control – their parents or internet, Jason as the new self-appointed high priest of morality in the cyberspace arena?
Or you still living in Victorian ages?
detoxin on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 7:01 pm
deoxin @ Sat, 7th Nov 2009 2:22 pm
“why should we let the b*tches in M’sia ..who threaten to cut off our water.. enjoy our S$ ?
why should we let the b*tches who arrogantly kicked us of federation ..enjoy the tourists’ money all for themselves ?”
Likewise, Why should we allow the b*tches tarnish our low crime rate???
Yes, we can attract their $$, but we will also attract their crime. Do you want to live in a country where robberies and pickpockets occur 24/7? Do you want to constantly be on guard for yourself and your family against the loansharks?
Pui. No Thanks. Most rational minded people here are sane enough not to trade money at the expense of our safety and security.
fpc on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 7:47 pm
//deoxin
As if really 2/3 of the peopel really support PAP or LHL…
If they are so sure, they don’t need to keep changing the electoral boundaries all the time and they don’t need to hand out goodies all the time.
The low number of votes during election in Ang mo kio is a testament of the sickness people have of lhl.
The contesting opposition is a young group of newbies somemore.
Brendan on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 8:16 pm
@deoxin
“i said YES to casino.”
“u r talking as if all singaporean support u. as if u r the voice of the people. the fact is: NO, u r not!”
You say YES because you are FROM the party, and you do NOT represent the views of the conservative majority, can you say otherwise? No one in their right mind will say yes if they love law and order and hate confrontational politics.
And the $$$ you are talking from the jackpot you are talking about is not for us singaporeans but for you and your ministers to enjoy.
We are not stupid!!!
dogbert on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 6:10 pm
Good for you all.
i said NO to casino.
i said YES to F1.
i said NO to taiwan’s style of politics.
i said NO to Dr Chee.
We’re all different. I certainly don’t necessarily like all policies in place, but TR gives a channel to voice opinions. Not that any credit for changes in policy will be given to TR, but we have a good hope for that, otherwise, why waste our saliva here?
To... "jason on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 10:42 pm"... on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 6:57 pm
“jason on Fri, 6th Nov 2009 10:42 pm
TR, i think Exposer first comment is too vulgar. can you control the comment posting more stringently? criticizing is one thing, but using vulgar example is totally another thing. there may be some young age people (15 and below) who visit your website. we certainly do not want them get exposed to such vulgar comments”…
Vulgarity comes in SUBTLE FORMS TOO… like “Barger” for “Bas**rd” for example… And also there ARE many in TR who are Not Only Parents BUT Grandparents TOO!!!…. And so…
ARE you old enough to know that lhl…
1. LIFTED his hand TO Slap more elder parliamentarian Danabalam??? Yes, he didn’t ACTUALY slap Dana… perhaps they were seated far apart for him too… but the POINT IS…
Isn’t that act of intention be just as good as having delivered the PHYSICAL act of slapping!!!… A Point IN MORALITY young man!!!
2. During the 2006 husting… lhl also said about “FIXING The Opposition”… IS that not Vulgarity of the strret level’gangster” type tongues!!!
3. And lhl also challenge the late JBJ IN Parliament once to repeat what he said In parliament that day… And so… without suggesting another pfficial venue and agenda… HAS NOT lhl again SPOKE in STREET LEVEL LINGO???
DO PAP leaders show respect and behave PROPERLY EVEN IN REAL SITUATIONS… And don’t get me wrong that I am Condoning vulgarity… But the few examples I list ARE IN REAL LIFE Venues!!!… EVEN In PARLIAMENT… A PLACE OF MEETING OF THE HIGHEST LEVEL… NO.1 in FACT!!!… AND SO RO…
To “deoxin on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 2:22 pm TOO”… you wrote…
“i said YES to casino.
i said YES to F1.
i said NO to taiwan’s style of politics.
i said NO to Dr Chee.”…
Did not lhl DO The Taiwan politics “dance” EVEN In parliament here and got away with scott-free to EVN become 3rd PM now!!!… Tell us WHAT’S HIS SUBSTANCE SO FAR???
Hi5 on Sun, 8th Nov 2009 11:42 pm
deoxin on Sat, 7th Nov 2009 2:22 pm
“i said YES to casino.”
Couldn’t agree anymore with you.
I say YES to the robbery, loanshark and possibly murder of you and your family.
All the best.
Exposer on Mon, 9th Nov 2009 12:35 am
“DO PAP leaders show respect and behave PROPERLY EVEN IN REAL SITUATIONS… And don’t get me wrong that I am Condoning vulgarity… But the few examples I list ARE IN REAL LIFE Venues!!!… EVEN In PARLIAMENT… A PLACE OF MEETING OF THE HIGHEST LEVEL… NO.1 in FACT!!!… AND SO RO…”
That is why I say again that PAP forum suit you better because you can be a true gentleman regurgitating the beautiful standard English language of PAP’s model script answer with no grammatical error. Go, go , go … what are you waiting for ? Or are you waiting for another round of my “beautiful language” ?