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The Straits Times Interactive
Singapore News
MAY 25, 2000
New outlets 'will deter illegal betting'
Responding to MPs, the Govt says it is better to provide legal channels than try to wipe out gambling entirely
INCREASING the number of Singapore Pools outlets by 50 will make it more convenient for people to place their bets and will deter punters from turning to illegal gambling, Finance Minister Richard Hu said in Parliament on Tuesday.
He said that there had been no change, previously, in the number of outlets -- 150 -- over the past 14 years, despite a 12-fold increase in the volume of ticket sales.
With this growth in the lottery market, there is a need to provide more betting outlets, he said.
On concerns from MPs that the move will only encourage Singaporeans to gamble, Dr Hu said that it is not possible to wipe out gambling entirely. It is far better, he said, for the Government to provide legal channels for people to do so.
Furthermore, retailers will have to follow strict rules, including not selling lottery tickets to those below 18 years of age.
Also, the outlets will not be located in places where children will be drawn to them.
Singapore News
MAY 25, 2000
New outlets 'will deter illegal betting'
Responding to MPs, the Govt says it is better to provide legal channels than try to wipe out gambling entirely
INCREASING the number of Singapore Pools outlets by 50 will make it more convenient for people to place their bets and will deter punters from turning to illegal gambling, Finance Minister Richard Hu said in Parliament on Tuesday.
He said that there had been no change, previously, in the number of outlets -- 150 -- over the past 14 years, despite a 12-fold increase in the volume of ticket sales.
With this growth in the lottery market, there is a need to provide more betting outlets, he said.
On concerns from MPs that the move will only encourage Singaporeans to gamble, Dr Hu said that it is not possible to wipe out gambling entirely. It is far better, he said, for the Government to provide legal channels for people to do so.
Furthermore, retailers will have to follow strict rules, including not selling lottery tickets to those below 18 years of age.
Also, the outlets will not be located in places where children will be drawn to them.