Caution urged on entertainment complexes housing casinos
Ninety-nine academics have joined in opposition to the entertainment complexes for which the House of Representatives approved a study on March 28. The study will address illegal gambling issues and the economic benefit of such complexes, which would house casinos as well as other facilities.
In their statement, the academics said gambling is not considered an activity that generates production because it merely involves transferring money from the pockets of losers to the pockets of winners, and in casinos, the winners are the owners.
They said promoting casinos is akin to supporting enterprises that absorb money from households, especially middle-income households, labourers, low-income earners, and the lower classes of society.
Although the parliamentary committee studying the plan has proposed starting with large sites, its report leaves room for smaller gambling venues to emerge, and relaxing criteria for Thais to gamble.
Over time, said the academics, casinos could exacerbate social inequality and worsen the country's economic conditions.
While the government may see casinos, along with other comprehensive entertainment venues, as creating employment, income distribution, and money circulation in the economy, considering that casinos represent a relatively small proportion of all businesses, their positive impact may not outweigh the severe social repercussions.
Prolonged exposure to gaming environments, the statement went on, can lead to emotional stimulation that encourages excessive gambling. This can escalate to problematic gambling behaviour and addiction, making self-rehabilitation challenging and requiring continuous treatment over years to recover.
It's well known that gambling activities can be for money-laundering for illegal businesses, as well as a source of income for corrupt government officials or politicians, the academics said. Casinos can thus be linked to criminal activities, law violations, and misconduct, especially in countries where law enforcement is not sufficiently effective.
The hope that bringing underground businesses above ground would reduce illegal activities and government corruption may not be realistic. Instead, it could create more opportunities for criminals to exploit as long as law-enforcement agencies remain weak and corrupt.
For the reasons stated, the academics made a proposal to the government.
They said government should expedite efforts to improve the effectiveness of law enforcement to instil confidence in the public. This includes reforming the police and earnestly combating corruption.
The government should make a clear proposal to society regarding what it intends to promote in terms of the size and number of casinos, target areas, target groups, and other aspects. A comprehensive study should be conducted covering all dimensions.
After conducting a thorough study, the government should involve the public in the decision-making process through a referendum to listen to the opinions of people nationwide.
The statement concludes by emphasising that aiming for economic development through gambling business practices is a policy direction that needs careful consideration, extending beyond mere economic value.
This approach may lead to fundamental changes in correctness and social fairness that are difficult to revert to their original state. Therefore, the government should reflect and make decisions based on a sufficient level of confidence.
