Casino

And so the Decision has been made - Not one but two intergrated resorts with the casino will be built.

The State Government has announced the decision after a year long debate, following the main focus of their discussions as economically driven.

While the social costs had been a major source of debate, including possible gambling addictions and family breakups, it seemed more like a debate between possible worries versus possible economic benefits.

The Press has released detailed reports of how the Casinos, together with the integrated resorts, will create up to 35,000 jobs for Singaporeans with expected $1.5 billion in investments. What set me thinking was - How? On what basis was this figure calculated? By the investments in infrastructure? The projected costs of building the 2 integrated resorts were between $2 - $3 billion for both Marina Bayfront and Sentosa. However, the size of Marina Bayfront would only be 12.2 hectares while Sentosa would be 47 hectares. Such a startling contrast.

35,000 jobs created. Would they be completely filled by only Singaporeans? Would our own local people face discrimination from their parents or relatives who snuff at the ills of gambling and threaten to disown their children who tries to work in a casino? Would the casino be adopting a standard wage scale for their employees?

A Council of Gambling would be set up to look into the progress and perhaps administer necessary actions or policies to assist in the possible social consequences of gambling. While the decision has been announced, no mention has been made about any policies to help curb gambling addictions. Personal Observation? The debate was more economically driven than anything else. Earn the money first, we'll talk about social costs in the process.

And the structures that were going to be built - Who were the main investors? Is it going to be state-subsidised? Will the State have a share in these investments?

The focus of the next generation's income appears to be shaping towards Tourism and the Arts. Singapore had always been reputed as a Country that provides excellent service, now the State aims to upgrade the service industry to a new level. It's called the Entertainment Industry. Think of the relaxation on Bar-top dancing, the American Idol following the Singapore Idol, the focus on street dancing and the Busking Activities. Now, the Casino. A process had been slowly unravelled.

Perhaps I should consider launching a new degree programme called Degree in Public Entertainment with majors like Clowning, Acrobatics and Dance with modules like Pole Dancing PD1101 and Advanced Body Flirting BF2203. I'm sure it'll gain recognition someday.