The following is a comment by a reader of my blog:
I was not so anti-casino in Singapore. Ever since an incident happened within my social circle, my view has changed, 180 degrees.
One of my close friend, lets call him Eugene, used to be a hardworking chap, look after the family, played with his two kids, enjoyed 天伦之乐.
No so much anymore a month after the casino opened in Singapore. His new addiction is to 'rush' to the casino at Marina when he has the free time. Sometime he created "free time" just to cure his itch. Quarrels with family members has increased in frequency over his self-justified 'small harmless gaming' habit.
As he is a good friend for many many years, I am watching how he 'progresses' with his new venture. I have told him off many times but each time the risk of losing this long time friendship increases with each kaypoh wake up call from me.
I can see in a short time, his family will disintegrate if he continues with this 'small harmless gaming' habit.
At times when he lost some 'small amount' of money, he will lament that the casino is location so conveniently in Singapore. The entry levy of $100 is absolutely a non-deterrent for many a people like him because it is 'easy to recover the levy'.
From him, I have also come to learn that the levy has a validity of 24 hours. If you enter the casino in the afternoon, you can still enter the casino the next day as long as it is within 24 hours from the last entry.
I am sure there are more people like him. The social problems are snowballing now...
Dreadful isn't it?
I can only hope for the best for his family, especially his two kids.
Winston
