http://www.todayonline.com/voices/restrict-number-large-jackpot-draws
Restrict the number of large jackpot draws
From
Tang Fook Meng
.
Published: 4:07 AM, July 25, 2014
Whether the National Council on Problem Gambling’s latest campaign was effective is debatable, but it created a buzz, and awareness is a good start.
The NCPG should now work with the Government to clamp down on the number of legal and illegal betting opportunities. Singapore Pools, for example, clearly wants to increase its “profits”, and will innovate and create tempting bets.
In recent years, it has organised Hong Bao draws, Reunion draws and, in May, an Anniversary draw; now, it is organising a National Day draw. All these are to tempt punters with higher jackpot prizes.
Singapore Pools should be restricted from holding these special draws or any new ones offering high jackpot prizes. The media should also stop reporting on these draws, the number of winners, the lucky outlets and the long queues. The media should not be helping to build more gambling interest and publicity.
To stop gambling altogether is impossible. It is human nature to try one’s luck, especially for the Chinese during the Lunar New Year. It is important, however, to discourage habitual gambling, and the dangling of these large jackpot prizes must be controlled.
Restrict the number of large jackpot draws
From
Tang Fook Meng
.
Published: 4:07 AM, July 25, 2014
Whether the National Council on Problem Gambling’s latest campaign was effective is debatable, but it created a buzz, and awareness is a good start.
The NCPG should now work with the Government to clamp down on the number of legal and illegal betting opportunities. Singapore Pools, for example, clearly wants to increase its “profits”, and will innovate and create tempting bets.
In recent years, it has organised Hong Bao draws, Reunion draws and, in May, an Anniversary draw; now, it is organising a National Day draw. All these are to tempt punters with higher jackpot prizes.
Singapore Pools should be restricted from holding these special draws or any new ones offering high jackpot prizes. The media should also stop reporting on these draws, the number of winners, the lucky outlets and the long queues. The media should not be helping to build more gambling interest and publicity.
To stop gambling altogether is impossible. It is human nature to try one’s luck, especially for the Chinese during the Lunar New Year. It is important, however, to discourage habitual gambling, and the dangling of these large jackpot prizes must be controlled.
