I SHARE the concern over young people getting started on the gambling habit at an earlier age, and betting more, especially on football ("Protect young from problem gambling"; Monday).
But one problem contributing to this is the ubiquitous presence of betting outlets at FairPrice supermarkets.
These betting outlets are open for long hours, and even as early as 8am, there are already queues formed.
I have several questions:
What are the criteria for housing a Singapore Pools betting outlet? Do all FairPrice supermarkets qualify? How about Giant and Sheng Siong supermarkets?
How much is FairPrice profiting from these betting outlets and what does it do with the profits? I find it hard to reconcile how an organisation that tries to help the lower-income by giving rebates, encourages gambling at the same time.
I have also seen people who look younger than 18 placing bets. Do betting outlet staff ask for identification? Are there posters warning those under 18 that they are not allowed to bet?
The minimum age for betting should be raised to 21.
Why are betting outlets, especially those at FairPrice, so conspicuous? Should they not be hidden in some corner so the young do not see them?
I have seen parents with children in tow queueing up to place bets. This is a really bad example to set.
Why are betting outlets allowed to operate such long hours? To curb gambling problems, these outlets should be allowed to open only from noon to 6pm. This will discourage people from betting before and after work.
How many betting outlets are there all over Singapore? How far apart are they and what is the ratio of their numbers to our population?
I remember that when these betting outlets were started, the main aim was the eradication of illegal bookies.
Are illegal bookies still such a big problem that we need so many betting outlets at FairPrice supermarkets?
James Wong Joo Sin
But one problem contributing to this is the ubiquitous presence of betting outlets at FairPrice supermarkets.
These betting outlets are open for long hours, and even as early as 8am, there are already queues formed.
I have several questions:
What are the criteria for housing a Singapore Pools betting outlet? Do all FairPrice supermarkets qualify? How about Giant and Sheng Siong supermarkets?
How much is FairPrice profiting from these betting outlets and what does it do with the profits? I find it hard to reconcile how an organisation that tries to help the lower-income by giving rebates, encourages gambling at the same time.
I have also seen people who look younger than 18 placing bets. Do betting outlet staff ask for identification? Are there posters warning those under 18 that they are not allowed to bet?
The minimum age for betting should be raised to 21.
Why are betting outlets, especially those at FairPrice, so conspicuous? Should they not be hidden in some corner so the young do not see them?
I have seen parents with children in tow queueing up to place bets. This is a really bad example to set.
Why are betting outlets allowed to operate such long hours? To curb gambling problems, these outlets should be allowed to open only from noon to 6pm. This will discourage people from betting before and after work.
How many betting outlets are there all over Singapore? How far apart are they and what is the ratio of their numbers to our population?
I remember that when these betting outlets were started, the main aim was the eradication of illegal bookies.
Are illegal bookies still such a big problem that we need so many betting outlets at FairPrice supermarkets?
James Wong Joo Sin
