Found this on CNN about Singapore's casino issue

http://www.cnn.com/2006/BUSINESS/05/26/singapore.casino/index.html

Summary:
- Sands choosen to build and run Singapore's very first casino
- Singapore moves away from a trade-orientated economy by wooing more tourists
- New casino expected to create 30 000 new jobs
- Decades old ban on casino was lifted last year amid strong opposition from religious and social groups
- However, it is on important strategy by Singapore to expand its tourism industry by tapping into the expected $13 billion of revenue generated by casinos around the region

Response:

Singapore has taken a bold step towards moving its economy away from trade orientated towards a tourism and service orientated one. Though the goverment decision to lift the ban came amid much critisims, it shows that Singapore dares to throw aside traditions in order to carry on strenghtening its economy.
However, the building of the casino will bring about many social repercussions which the goverment have to look into and handle. The legalisation of gambling, which is addictive, encourages people to gamble. Imagine the consequences if our people become addicted to gambling, wasting away time and money at the place. Especially in Singapore where our limited population is our only natural resource. Such a circumstance would be hugely undesirable.
Therefore, even though the legalisation of casino in Singapore may be a must for our economy to move ahead, the social consequences that it may cause is disatrous.Thus, its is of paramount importance that measures against them must be put in place.

tre arty ; 8:48:00 PM