Actually the theme parks alone are OK as long as the children
aren't tempted by parents to join the casinos. I went to Genting
when I was young a few times and never associated theme parks with
casino or fun with casino, even though I know its part of the
casino. I think casino should be able to be out of reach of
children as long as law is enforced strictly.
We should also educate the great harm and addictiveness of
gambling. Telling children "it's bad to gamble" is not good enough,
we need to explain why. Similarly, when Buddha set his code of
ethics for his disciples, he explains clearly the consequences of
indulging in such things... not just because "it's bad". It is
workable - see how Singapore does its anti-drugs and anti-smoking
campaign. That's a good example... maybe the government can publish
pictures of people killed by loan sharks or something (just like
cigarettes packages have images of diseased lungs, stroke in brain,
etc etc) unfortunately I doubt the government will be so aggressive
in anti-gambling campaign since it's supposed to help our economy
But most importantly parents should set a good example by not
visiting these casinos themselves.... not as in the theme parks,
but as in, to take part in gambling. Everything they expect of
their children, they must be just as good.... not be a hypocrite.
It just doesn't work that way. Children will grow up influenced by
the way of living of their parents... theoretically it's "you
shouldn't do this" but by gambling you give a message to children
"you shouldn't do this but nevertheless it's not so bad"
