The casino debate in Fiji rages on and our minds are flooded with names such as Las Vegas, Monte Carlo, Macau, Atlantic City, Reno, etc.
These are the big entertainment and gambling centres of the world.
Reading reports on them does not inspire confidence in establishing a casino in Fiji.
It will open a floodgate of problems associated with casinos – the centres of glitz and glamour.
Those who support the idea will talk of its huge economic benefits to the nation and job opportunities for local communities.
Increased retail businesses and huge tax returns for the government coffers.
Increased tourist dollars and foreign exchange.
However, no one will tell you about the pathological gambling, crimes associated with drugs, alcohol, prostitution, murders, family violence, child abuse: verbal, physical, emotional and associated problems of family budgeting and divorces.
Decreased productivity at work, problems with friends and family are a reality.
Casual gambling and entertainment can lead to addiction and compulsive gamblers have little control on their emotions, particularly anger which impairs the judgement.
The temptation to win is so huge that it is practically impossible to get out of the trap.
Therefore, the stand taken by the Methodist Church and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is justified.
However, the question of guidelines does not arise as we should not allow a casino in Fiji.
Once the Pandora’s box is opened it will be impossible to stop it. No amount of pontificating will help.
Read reports on communities around big cassinos.
They are devastated as crimes in car parks increase and the value of properties plummets.
The area gets neglected and polluted. It is not a pretty picture.
In my view, this proposal must be nipped in the bud!
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