WHILE I empathise with the plight of Madam Chia Guek Hong
('Nail-biting days of a gambler's wife'; last Friday), I wonder if
a successful application for a family exclusion order really
helps.
My scepticism stems from the fact that a person who is banned
from entering casinos here can visit those elsewhere, such as the
ones in Genting. Besides the casinos, there is no dearth of gaming
opportunities for habitual gamblers.
This situation is akin to that of someone who is banned from
smoking in air-conditioned premises, but does so in other open
areas. Such measures do not help one to give up the unhealthy
habit.
Family support is the best way of helping someone with a
gambling problem.
Making him realise his weakness is one way to make a difference.
Family members and loved ones can instil a feeling of guilt in the
gambler, by making him feel uneasy about causing the family
financial and emotional woes.
Willpower can help one kick bad habits; no amount of legislation
and exclusion orders really work.
Jeffrey Law