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Gambling Thrives in Singapore Despite Ban4 November 2002Singapore -- As reported by Agence France Presse: ``Top officials have rejected a proposal to let casinos open in Singapore but gambling is already a huge industry in the island, where legal and underground firms thrive on a collective passion for punting. ``With a new economic downturn looming on the horizon, an advisory committee has suggested that casinos could perk up the vital tourism industry, but the idea was criticised as a moral danger to society. ``Yet horse racing, lotteries and football results draw billions of dollars in bets every year from Singaporeans who place wagers on anything from a crashed vehicle's licence plates to the date of the September 11 attacks in the US. ``State-linked firms dominate the gaming business but illegal operations continue to lurk in the shadows despite regular police raids. ``...Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is also finance minister and is being groomed to be the next premier, recently joined a chorus against the idea of allowing casinos to open. ``...Singaporeans are known to travel in large numbers to neighbouring Malaysia's casino haven Genting Highlands, and some go as far as high-roller destinations like Macau and Las Vegas..." |