As most would have expected, the ban on casinos in Singapore was lifted 3 hours ago. Two casinos will be built, one at Marina and the other at Sentosa. The idea is to build two integrated resorts, so that the casinos are mini-economies unto themselves.

I think the decision to lift the ban was long decided. Many cabinet members have dropped obvious hints, with MM Lee taking the lead. Personally, I find the concerns of many parties to be unfounded. The most common fear is that casinos will lead to many families being broken up. AWARE and FACTS present the typical arguments against casinos. While certainly valid to some extent, they became hyperbolic at a point. FACTS in particular, directly charges casinos with corrupting the "fundamental values of growing a family", nevermind that gambling addictions are one but many ways that a family can break up. They imply that countries without casinos rest on a higher moral ground than those which do, which is beyond ludicrous.

"When the fundamental values of growing a family is affected by economic expediency, we as a society, must have the maturity and the courage to say "NO". Whatever the so-called economic value that is touted."

Brave words from FACTS, which conveniently glosses over the fact that many who oppose the casino enjoy a way of life that is brought about by "economic expediency". Furthermore, I also find the dichotomous usage of familial values with casinos objectionable. Every family, indeed every person, establishes their own guiding values. Shifting the entire blame to the external environment implies that we are a nation of weak-willed fools who will succumb to whatever temptations placed in front of us. Original sin or not, such arguments do not endear me to their cause.

Perhaps the most useful mindset is one that is equally moderate, practical and yet concerned. Alarmist reactions will do no one good.