i extracted this from the straits times forum.
Singapore is fast becoming a gambler's haven, what with hundreds of
gambling booths spread across the island accepting bets on 4D,
TOTO, horse-racing and soccer matches and very soon, two casinos to
further enhance that image.
So be it. But if we must accept institutionalised gambling as a
neccesary evil, then the least we can do is to keep it out of reach
as well as out of view of children.
Last Saturday, my six-year -- old grandson and I were at a
supermarket where we had difficulty getting around due to a long
winding queue originating from a 4D/TOTO betting booth inside
it.
Curious, my grandson asked what all those people were lining up for
and I said, 'They are gambling,' knowing that he would understand
as the concept of the game of chance is already familiar to
him.
He thought for a moment and popped the next question: 'But why are
they doing it in the supermarket?'. I knew what the answer might be
but thought it best not to confuse his insatiably inquisitive mind.
Instead,I promised him I'd find out.
Notwithstanding the notice to keep out children under 18, these
betting booths are just too conspicuous for young children,
pandering as they do to an adult indulgence which, deep down, we're
not proud of.
It's clear that these booths have been carefully planted to make
betting expedient for all but surely a supermarket, where there is
bound to be children around, is hardly the place for it.
Similarly, many shop premises in the heartland that have been
converted into betting booths are out of place as underaged
youngsters can often be seen loitering in them.
These highly visible 'mini-casinos' are an antithesis to the
personal and social values parents are trying so hard to inculcate
in their children.
I think we can, nay we must, be more discreet. Shielding children
from gambling activities must take precedence over catering to the
expediency of gamblers.
I hope the authorities will take steps to correct this apparent
contradiction.
